Originally Posted by
IaninDC
It's actually 5c per bag although most supermarkets don't charge you. But Arlington has an 8.5% meal tax, so what's the real difference between DC's 10% and that (unless your meals run in the $1,000 range). And car tax - what the hell is that? I already bought my car, paid sales tax on it, so why do I need to pay it again every year. And why would you tax unprepared food? That just hurts the poor more than anyone else. As for parking tickets, I'd rather get one in DC than NoVA where the fines are higher and they tow your car on the spot.
NOVA is painfully dull and anywhere outside of Old Towne Alexandria, you are going to see awful suburban sprawl, a complete lack of zoning, and unfettered commercial development.
I am not interested in getting into a DC versus Virginia battle. The car tax - which is common in many states - frankly is no different than property tax. "I already bought my
house, paid tax on it, so why do I need to pay it again every year."
As for parking tickets, I have lived in Northern Virginia for 15 years. I have
never received a parking ticket in Virginia. I have, however, received three parking tickets in DC. I have also had my car broken into twice in DC. My wife was also mugged in DC. I know neighbors in my area who leave their car doors unlocked at night and leave the house doors unlocked during the day. Can you say that about almost any locality in the District?