Tax revolt tea party set for July 4 in Bel Air
BY L’OREAL THOMPSON
Posted 7/01/09
Members of the Harford Property Tax Revolt are hitting the streets of Bel Air again. This time they’re celebrating Independence Day — and doing it on property owned by the county government.
From 9 a.m. to noon on July 4 at 220 S. Main St. in Bel Air, the group who recently protested property taxes in Harford County is inviting members of the public to share their stories about America.
The location is the main county office building’s parking lot, where people often congregate and park during Bel Air’s Independence Day celebration.
“The reason we’re doing this on the 4th is it’s a celebration of our independence,” Patrick McGrady, organizer of the event, said. “We’re trying to get people to remember the 4th of July is a holiday not meant for tire salesmen or furniture salesman and good sales. It’s a time to remember we fought for independence from Great Britain in 1776.”
The Independence Day celebration will take place two months after the tax protesters filled the Harford County Council chambers demanding council members lower property taxes.
“We’re trying to carry the momentum forward from previous protests on May 19 and April 15 about large government and spending,” McGrady said. “It’s also a rally in support of good decisions made by politicians and to support politicians doing the right thing. Everybody wants to pay taxes that are fair.”
The tax protesters are not an “angry” group of people, McGrady said.
“What I really am looking forward to is having a bunch of people come out and celebrate their independence,” McGrady said. “We really live in a great country and I want people to realize that. We’re not all angry people. We love this country and we want to see it be the best country in the world.”
The event is free and open to the public.
“It’s a family-friendly event that doesn’t cost anything,” McGrady said. “It’s great on the 4th in Bel Air. It’s early enough people can come out and celebrate their independence and go home and have a picnic and nap before the fireworks.”
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