In its latest newsletter, the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce reports on the results of a survey by the Regional Transportation Alliance, a group focused on relieving traffic congestion and improving mobility in the Triangle.

Not surprisingly, most people in the survey “support all modes of transit,” including roads, light rail and buses. But they wonder if a particular mode of transportation will benefit them, and they’re afraid improvements will take too long.

What the survey doesn’t say is whether Triangle residents would choose one improvement over the other if forced to because of, say, funding. Given the choice of roads, rail or buses, which would Triangle commuters choose? We think we know the answer to that question; we wish the survey had answered it too.

Speaking of the survey, it says Triangle residents would prefer to pay for transportation improvements with a sales-tax increase, not a property-tax hike. The answer to that question surprises no one either, but why such animosity toward the property tax?

Is it because everyone pays the sales tax but not the property tax? We’ve heard that argument before — that renters pay the sales tax but not the property tax. That’s hogwash. Renters pay property taxes every time they give a check to the landlord, who surely figures his taxes into his rental rate. Moreover, the landlord gets the income-tax break on property taxes paid by his tenants.

Any way, a family that owns its home gets to deduct its property taxes from its income taxes. So why would anyone want to pay sales taxes instead?

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Some of you have dropped in on our new home in downtown Smithfield, and we appreciate the kind words about our offices. We too like our new space at 228 E. Market St.

We’ve heard too, from some of you, about the long walk up the stairs to the newsroom. Trust us, we feel your pain. So if the walk is too much too bear, don’t take it. If you have a news item for publication, simply drop it in the mailbox just inside the door to the stairway. We’ll check it every morning and evening. But be sure to put your name and phone number on the announcement in case we have any questions.

If you need to speak to someone, go into our advertising office on the ground floor. Someone there will call upstairs, and someone from the newsroom will come down to speak with you. Should the advertising folks be at lunch or busy with a customer, feel free to call me at 836-5747 if you have your cell phone handy. I’m usually there from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. Should I happen to be in Chicago at a Cubs game, then call Adam Ziglar at 836-5755. He’s there most of the day too.

Of course, if you enjoy a good, invigorating walk, then come on up. We’ll be glad to have you.