Smart move down in Dalton

Times are tough nationwide, and they have been especially tough down Interstate 75 from Chattanooga in Dalton, Ga. The textile industry has suffered major job losses during the economic crisis, and unemployment is high in the Dalton area.

But Dalton Mayor David Pennington and the Dalton City Council are moving in the right direction with their determination not only to avoid tax increases, but to reduce taxes where possible. Backed by Pennington, the council recently voted unanimously to reduce the property tax rate -- the fourth straight time it has done so. The mayor also opposes an upcoming local referendum that would increase sales taxes.

"We want to make this the best place in Georgia to do business," he said after the vote on reducing Dalton's property tax rate. "We aren't there yet, but we are well on our way."

Whitfield County officials, too, recently approved a tax exemption on business inventory.

We applaud those efforts. Holding down taxes is a proven way to boost competitiveness.

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