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August 20, 2010

EDITORIAL: Shop locally if possible

Press-Republican

This is the time of year kids hate most: Talk is starting to turn to the return of school.

When vacation-happy kids begin seeing the ads in the newspaper and on TV for bargains for the purchase of clothing and supplies for the resumption of school in September, they get the distinct impression that their summer recess is winding down, and most don't like it.

Nevertheless, conscientious parents have to prepare, and lost liberty is one of the necessary topics of conversation in households everywhere.

As the forays begin for school gear, let us remind everyone of the importance of buying locally if possible.

Going elsewhere to browse and buy, and especially going onto the Internet, may save a small amount of money. (Or it may not.) But the overall good you'll do by making purchases locally more than offsets those savings.

And we're not conceding that savings are always available online or in other markets. Local stores deserve at least a look before deciding to buy at other venues. Their prices may surprise you.

The first advantage of shopping locally is that sales tax is guaranteed in the home county. This has never been more important than right now. Municipalities everywhere are facing the prospect of large property-tax increases because state revenues have dwindled.

Every dollar a community makes in sales tax is one they won't have to impose in property tax. The beauty of sales-tax revenue is that it is made through voluntary purchases and often by non-residents. In effect, we have people passing through helping us out with our tax burden.

The second advantage is that it creates economic vitality in our own area. Merchants who make money spend money and pay employees. The idea of keeping those merchants prosperous is advantageous to all of us who live here.

This year, the legislature has removed an important sales-tax exemption from clothing, which will make shopping anywhere in New York state less attractive. Gov. Paterson has acknowledged the temporary reinstatement of the 4-percent state sales tax on clothing and shoe purchases of $110 or less will put a strain on those who can least afford it.

Paterson has been desperately seeking revenue sources to survive the recession, but he preferred taxing sugary drinks or selling wine in grocery stores to the clothes tax.

Nevertheless, the sales tax is back, at least for now, and that could hurt communities like ours that are close to borders with competing states. Residents hereabouts have the option of going to Vermont to shop.

We strongly encourage anyone thinking about it, either for variety or for prices, to at least give the local stores a chance to provide your needs at a price you can afford.

We'll all be better off for it.

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