There has been a lot of reaction to the recent appraisal increases...shock may be more appropriate. The fact is, these appraisals are probably accurate...homes in our area HAVE increased in value dramatically. The REAL question we should be asking ourselves is why do the various tax rates have to remain the same as home values go up?? Do the various taxing districts really need 40% more money from each of us this year than they needed last year? If they are going to adjust the appraisals up to current real value then they should adjust the tax rates down to keep up with inflation but not give them a 40% windfall to waste as they see fit, because if we are forced to give it to them they will find a way to spend it. The argument that "The City/County/Schools/Hospitals/VIA are growing and need more money is bogus, because every new house that is built and every new commercial structure that goes up increases their tax base in proportion to the increase in growth. It is time our elected officials actually represented us and not their bureaucracy.