Taxes and hotel tax debate shapes Aiken budget
An editorial argues that taxes are easy to create but hard to remove. It notes Aiken City Council plans to end the hospitality tax on prepared foods with a county Local Option Sales Tax while keeping the 3 percent accommodations tax on hotel rooms. It warns ending promises may erode public trust and urges prudent budgeting without new tax tricks.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aiken
Citizens Park
Airport
Council
Bush's faith based initiative sparks liberal backlash
The article reports on President Bush's plan to create a White House office to distribute billions to faith based and religious groups for social services drawing liberal opposition. It notes critics from ACLU Americans United for Separation of Church and State and PAW object while highlighting that money will not fund proselytizing and that groups like Catholic Charities and Jewish Council for resettlement have long received aid. It argues conservatives and liberals differ on responsibility and behavior change versus systemic welfare.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bush
White House
American Civil Liberties Union
Americans United For Separation of Church and State
America
101
People For the American Way
Paw
John Ashcroft
Catholic Charities
The
Council of Jewish Orations
Maryland
Aiken Letter Defends Towns Tasteful Identity
Nancy Wilds writes Friday January 26 praising efforts to preserve Aiken’s distinctive character amid downtown changes. Molly Gray and Diane Appleton note concerns over beautification measures affecting the town’s appeal. The Aiken Newcomers Club thanks the community for Attic Treasures Sale and Silent Auction support aiding local groups including Aiken Women's Club Helpline and others.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aiken
Nancy Wilds
Molly Gray
Diane Appleton
Aiken Newcomers’ Club
Aiken Newcomers
Aiken Women’s Club
Helpline
Aiken Community Band
USCA
Anthony Watson
Aiken Museum
Josef Hoffman
Comms For the Blind
Council On Aging, Army
St. Vincent DePaul Society
ACTS
Family thankful for many efforts in sudden loss
The family of Glenn Schumaker expresses deep thanks to many in Aiken after his sudden death on January 14. They praise the Aiken County police, Aiken Fire Department, ambulance crew, 911 operator, ER nurse, Rivers Funeral Home staff, the county coroner’s office, and the Woodwinds and The Colony staff. Special gratitude to Rev. William Johnston for support and prayers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Glenn Schumaker
Aiken
Glenn
Rivers Funeral Home
Aiken County
William Johnston
Inaugural Address Promotes Inclusion Yet Leaves Many Behind
President Bush’s inaugural speech praises civility courage compassion and character while acknowledging segments left behind. He pledges to leave no one behind amid prosperity but faces harsh realities of rising uninsured millions two-job families and high college costs. Jim Wright is noted as former House speaker.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bush
America
Solomon
George W. Bush
Amelia
Legion
Hmos
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Stanvard
Scott B. Hunter
Trey B. Wallace
Nin
Timothy E. O'Briant
Iressroom Superaser Gates Sae Mes
R. Bennett Jr
J. David Boyd
Hinr.clinston
Aiken Ewcomers
Wilhelmina Schumaker
Gale Schumaker
Gwen and
Richard Lyman
Marian
Jennifer
Holly Schumaker
Carol and
Robert Grimm
Wright
Jericho
Jim Wright
House of Representatives