Greetings,
Well, on Monday June 30th I had to send in all of the signatures I'd gathered for Initiative 1030 which was designed to lower property taxes 30% across the state. I think that between the signatures I got personally and the ones I mailed to people, I helped gather about 4-500 names total. I really hope we got enough signatures to qualify for the general election, but if we didn't make it at least we tried. We didn't just sit back and bitch, we actually tried to do something about Washington states bottomless pit of out of control taxation..
Besides, even if we didn't get all the signatures we needed, I truly believe that we sent a major message to the legislature that there are a lot of people out here that are just fed up. And who knows what seeds may sprout from our efforts. I sure compliment Wynn Cannon, the League of Washington Taxpayers and all the individuals who worked on this campaign. I think that participating in our political system is a right and a privilege and a very important part of being an American citizen.
Moving right along, I have an idea that potentially could be a very positive thing for taxpayers everywhere. After spending 5 years working for the City of Tacoma, I noticed that at the end of each fiscal year, there is a mad scramble to spend whatever was left in each department's annual budget so that they wouldn't get any less the following year.There are absolutely no incentives for coming in under budget
I think that every public, tax funded organization including schools, police, fire, libraries as well as local, state and federal agencies should be forced to implement a program similar to what already exists in many corporations. My idea is simply to offer a variety of percentage based cash bonus programs for ideas that can and do save money each of these public agencies . For example, if John Smith, the local librarian or Jane Doe, a local police officer, comes up with a cost saving idea, they would receive a cash bonus for that suggestion. It would be an excellent first step to developing a sense of pride within public agencies that would be based on saving money, and not just constantly striving to spend more and more money each year.
To me it just sounds like common sense. But maybe it's true that common sense isn't so common after all.
Be well, Pat
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Yippee-Ki-Yay
Greetings-
It's been a long time since I've written anything here, but there was really nothing that positive to report about as far as property tax relief. Until now. Wynn Cannon, from The League of Washington Taxpayers, has pulled off a truly remarkable feat. He and his supporters have actually come up with Initiative 1030, which is designed specifically to lower property taxes by 30%. Yippee-Ki-Yay is my response to that. After meeting with all of my district's legislators for over an hour each, writing an 800 word article for my local newspaper, and even going to the state capitol to call attention to the out of control property taxes in our state, I finally gave up trying to work with the legislature. Although there are some very excellent legislators down there, they're definitely in the minority. Most of those Olympia bozos haven't seen a tax or a budget increase or a cost overrun that they won't vote for. They just don't get it. They don't seem to understand how angry and frustrated the average taxpayer is about 30+ Percent increases in just two years in the state budget. And how we're not only getting slammed by the thugs at the oil companies, but now we're getting hit even harder by ever increasing taxes from the same people we elected to represent us and look after our interests. Boy, if our forefathers thought taxation without representation was bad, they should try taxation WITH representation.
A good case in point is my one of my local house representatives. In looking over his voting record, I couldn't find one instance of him not voting for a tax or fee increase unless the democrats were against it. And not once could I find where he voted against his party. Not on even one issue. He had the audacity to call my home on a Saturday morning and send me insulting e-mails because I dared to tell him that people are sick and tired of all the political B.S. and constant infighting. And that a lot of folks out there that believe politicians could care less about you unless you're a big donor or a lobbyist. He had the gall to tell me that bi-partisanship and co-operation were alive and well in Olympia. What a joke! If you don't believe me just look up almost any bill you choose and you'll see that Democrats and Republican votes are almost always totally Partisan. And during our first meeting he told me that rising property appraisals had very little to do with rising property taxes. What kind of fools does he think we are? I believe he's a classic example of why we need to get rid of people like him and get some people in office who actually care about the average voter. people who will walk the walk and not just talk the talk. Maybe elect some people who remember that government is supposed to be of the people, for the people and by the people.
Anyway, I've already started passing out petitions for Initiative 1030. To hell with dealing with the legislature. As usual, we the people must take it upon ourselves to get any kind of meaningful property tax reform. Even if this initiative passes, I'm afraid that the Olympia sleeze balls will somehow overturn it. Just like $30 car tabs. Thank God they haven't been able to stop the initiative process although they'd like to. Olympia hates the people having any power at all. That's so apparent to anyone who follows their actions.
I'm never sure if anyone will read this, but if you do read this and you'd like to help us get signatures, please send me a message and I will send you some signature forms. Keep the faith...some of us are still fighting for our homes.
It's been a long time since I've written anything here, but there was really nothing that positive to report about as far as property tax relief. Until now. Wynn Cannon, from The League of Washington Taxpayers, has pulled off a truly remarkable feat. He and his supporters have actually come up with Initiative 1030, which is designed specifically to lower property taxes by 30%. Yippee-Ki-Yay is my response to that. After meeting with all of my district's legislators for over an hour each, writing an 800 word article for my local newspaper, and even going to the state capitol to call attention to the out of control property taxes in our state, I finally gave up trying to work with the legislature. Although there are some very excellent legislators down there, they're definitely in the minority. Most of those Olympia bozos haven't seen a tax or a budget increase or a cost overrun that they won't vote for. They just don't get it. They don't seem to understand how angry and frustrated the average taxpayer is about 30+ Percent increases in just two years in the state budget. And how we're not only getting slammed by the thugs at the oil companies, but now we're getting hit even harder by ever increasing taxes from the same people we elected to represent us and look after our interests. Boy, if our forefathers thought taxation without representation was bad, they should try taxation WITH representation.
A good case in point is my one of my local house representatives. In looking over his voting record, I couldn't find one instance of him not voting for a tax or fee increase unless the democrats were against it. And not once could I find where he voted against his party. Not on even one issue. He had the audacity to call my home on a Saturday morning and send me insulting e-mails because I dared to tell him that people are sick and tired of all the political B.S. and constant infighting. And that a lot of folks out there that believe politicians could care less about you unless you're a big donor or a lobbyist. He had the gall to tell me that bi-partisanship and co-operation were alive and well in Olympia. What a joke! If you don't believe me just look up almost any bill you choose and you'll see that Democrats and Republican votes are almost always totally Partisan. And during our first meeting he told me that rising property appraisals had very little to do with rising property taxes. What kind of fools does he think we are? I believe he's a classic example of why we need to get rid of people like him and get some people in office who actually care about the average voter. people who will walk the walk and not just talk the talk. Maybe elect some people who remember that government is supposed to be of the people, for the people and by the people.
Anyway, I've already started passing out petitions for Initiative 1030. To hell with dealing with the legislature. As usual, we the people must take it upon ourselves to get any kind of meaningful property tax reform. Even if this initiative passes, I'm afraid that the Olympia sleeze balls will somehow overturn it. Just like $30 car tabs. Thank God they haven't been able to stop the initiative process although they'd like to. Olympia hates the people having any power at all. That's so apparent to anyone who follows their actions.
I'm never sure if anyone will read this, but if you do read this and you'd like to help us get signatures, please send me a message and I will send you some signature forms. Keep the faith...some of us are still fighting for our homes.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Throw the bums out!
Greetings
I have come to several conclusions lately. Not all original, of course. The first conclusion I've come to is that politicians are like diapers. They need to be changed often and usually for the same reason. For those politicians that are more concerned about partisan politics and their re-election than they are about solving the many, many problems that we face today, they NEED to be thrown out of office. And the sooner the better. Time is truly of the essence.
Another thing I've learned is that there are some basically decent people who happen to be politicians. There are a few that honestly care. There are a few who try to build coalitions with the opposing party and incorporate ideas from both sides of the aisle. But they're rare. Partisanship paralysis is killing our Democratic system. Unless you're a lobbyist or a generous contributor, you basically are not even a blip on a politician's radar. I'm sure people like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Ben Franklin are rolling over in their graves.
Another rather painful thing I've learned is that absolutely nothing will change until the average American gets out from in front of their T.V's , and gets off their butts. Voting would be a good start, contacting their legislators with opinions and feedback would help too. As Martin Luther King once said, (I'm paraphrasing), "If you're not a part of the solution, than you're part of the problem" and "Evil is not just perpetuated by the actions of the bad people but by the lack of action by the good people."
There does not seem to be one leader on the horizon that will solve our problems. WE have to solve our problems. We have to get involved. WE have to do it. If we wait for someone to come along and save us, we're screwed. Literally and figuratively.
Here is a quote I was recently sent by someone who is doing something, Lee Iacocca.
"Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder. We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind and we can't even clean up after a hurricane, much less build a truly fuel efficient automobile. But instead of getting mad, we all sit around and nod our heads when politicians say 'Stay the course' Stay the course? You've got to be kidding. This is America, not the damned 'Titanic.' I'll give you a sound bite. 'Throw all the bums out!' You might think I'm getting senile, that I've gone off my rocker,and maybe I have.But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore." excerpts from "Where have all the leaders gone" by Lee Iacocca. Read it. It'll be good for you.
I'm going to end this for now with a quote from Pogo. "We have met the enemy, and it is us!"
More to come..I'm not giving up, Pat
I have come to several conclusions lately. Not all original, of course. The first conclusion I've come to is that politicians are like diapers. They need to be changed often and usually for the same reason. For those politicians that are more concerned about partisan politics and their re-election than they are about solving the many, many problems that we face today, they NEED to be thrown out of office. And the sooner the better. Time is truly of the essence.
Another thing I've learned is that there are some basically decent people who happen to be politicians. There are a few that honestly care. There are a few who try to build coalitions with the opposing party and incorporate ideas from both sides of the aisle. But they're rare. Partisanship paralysis is killing our Democratic system. Unless you're a lobbyist or a generous contributor, you basically are not even a blip on a politician's radar. I'm sure people like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Ben Franklin are rolling over in their graves.
Another rather painful thing I've learned is that absolutely nothing will change until the average American gets out from in front of their T.V's , and gets off their butts. Voting would be a good start, contacting their legislators with opinions and feedback would help too. As Martin Luther King once said, (I'm paraphrasing), "If you're not a part of the solution, than you're part of the problem" and "Evil is not just perpetuated by the actions of the bad people but by the lack of action by the good people."
There does not seem to be one leader on the horizon that will solve our problems. WE have to solve our problems. We have to get involved. WE have to do it. If we wait for someone to come along and save us, we're screwed. Literally and figuratively.
Here is a quote I was recently sent by someone who is doing something, Lee Iacocca.
"Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder. We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind and we can't even clean up after a hurricane, much less build a truly fuel efficient automobile. But instead of getting mad, we all sit around and nod our heads when politicians say 'Stay the course' Stay the course? You've got to be kidding. This is America, not the damned 'Titanic.' I'll give you a sound bite. 'Throw all the bums out!' You might think I'm getting senile, that I've gone off my rocker,and maybe I have.But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore." excerpts from "Where have all the leaders gone" by Lee Iacocca. Read it. It'll be good for you.
I'm going to end this for now with a quote from Pogo. "We have met the enemy, and it is us!"
More to come..I'm not giving up, Pat
Saturday, February 16, 2008
OK, you win, I give up! (Almost...)
Greetings-
It's been a couple of months since I wrote anything. I'll try and explain. The last time I made an entry I had just met with my second legislator and I had one more to go. Well, I've finally met with all three reps from my district. Although I found all of them to be pretty nice individuals in a one on one situation, when they go to Olympia and form a herd, it's like Jeckyl and Hyde literally.
After all their talk about how much they care and how they feel our property taxes are out of control, there will be absolutely no meaningful reform or mercy for taxpayers from this legislative session. What a total waste of time on my part. I could have been playing with my grandkids, or visiting with my wife or petting my dog instead of wasting my time listening to their crap. I feel hoodwinked, angry and just generally frustrated.
It's become very apparent to me that the ONLY thing the legislators, in general, care about is power and being re-elected. If you're not a lobbyist or a big donor to their campaigns, your opinion to them means absolutely nothing. Every person I know feels they're being reamed by taxes in general and property taxes in particular. But still the legislature doesn't give a rat's butt about whether or not they tax you out of your home.. It really is time to get rid of every cowardly, backstabbing, tax raising slimeball in our legislature. They know who they are and so should you.
In the last three months I have tried to have a positive attitude and have tried to work within the system. I have met for at least an hour with each of my legislators, I wrote an 800 word guest columnist article on property taxes for my local paper, I started this blog, I helped with the anti-tax rally in Olympia, I went to a property tax forum at our community center. What a fool I was. I actually believed that if your cause was just and sincere that one person could make a difference. Well no more. I'm smarter now.
Our legislature, once they're all snuggled up in their marble palace in Olympia, is a bad joke. I now fully believe that all most of our legislators want to do is tax, tax, tax and then tax some more. Our bi-annual budget has increased 33% in two years and there is no end in sight. Governor Gregoire has added literally thousands and thousands of new state jobs. The definition I still like most of politics is "poli meaning many and "tics' meaning blood sucking parasites. It's never been more true. At this point, every tax increasing legislator in Olympia had better watch out. Someday, somehow, the general public will wake up and throw the bums out. Maybe someday we'll actually have a majority of politicians with courage and vision, but probably not in our lifetime. I'm done with politicians. Our system is broken. Maybe beyond repair.
However there is some hope on the horizon. The League of Washington Taxpayers(21,000 strong), headed up by a noble and decent man named Wynn Cannon is working on an initiative that would force the powers to be to reduce property taxes 25% across the board. I and many other people will be working our tails off to make this happen. Since the legislature won't do a damn thing thing, once again it will be up to the people to rise up, get involved, and force our legislators to take action or go home and let someone who cares have a chance. Apparently they're just too ignorant or too pig-headed to get the message voters sent in the last election. That is that we're fed up. We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore.
More to come, be well, Pat
It's been a couple of months since I wrote anything. I'll try and explain. The last time I made an entry I had just met with my second legislator and I had one more to go. Well, I've finally met with all three reps from my district. Although I found all of them to be pretty nice individuals in a one on one situation, when they go to Olympia and form a herd, it's like Jeckyl and Hyde literally.
After all their talk about how much they care and how they feel our property taxes are out of control, there will be absolutely no meaningful reform or mercy for taxpayers from this legislative session. What a total waste of time on my part. I could have been playing with my grandkids, or visiting with my wife or petting my dog instead of wasting my time listening to their crap. I feel hoodwinked, angry and just generally frustrated.
It's become very apparent to me that the ONLY thing the legislators, in general, care about is power and being re-elected. If you're not a lobbyist or a big donor to their campaigns, your opinion to them means absolutely nothing. Every person I know feels they're being reamed by taxes in general and property taxes in particular. But still the legislature doesn't give a rat's butt about whether or not they tax you out of your home.. It really is time to get rid of every cowardly, backstabbing, tax raising slimeball in our legislature. They know who they are and so should you.
In the last three months I have tried to have a positive attitude and have tried to work within the system. I have met for at least an hour with each of my legislators, I wrote an 800 word guest columnist article on property taxes for my local paper, I started this blog, I helped with the anti-tax rally in Olympia, I went to a property tax forum at our community center. What a fool I was. I actually believed that if your cause was just and sincere that one person could make a difference. Well no more. I'm smarter now.
Our legislature, once they're all snuggled up in their marble palace in Olympia, is a bad joke. I now fully believe that all most of our legislators want to do is tax, tax, tax and then tax some more. Our bi-annual budget has increased 33% in two years and there is no end in sight. Governor Gregoire has added literally thousands and thousands of new state jobs. The definition I still like most of politics is "poli meaning many and "tics' meaning blood sucking parasites. It's never been more true. At this point, every tax increasing legislator in Olympia had better watch out. Someday, somehow, the general public will wake up and throw the bums out. Maybe someday we'll actually have a majority of politicians with courage and vision, but probably not in our lifetime. I'm done with politicians. Our system is broken. Maybe beyond repair.
However there is some hope on the horizon. The League of Washington Taxpayers(21,000 strong), headed up by a noble and decent man named Wynn Cannon is working on an initiative that would force the powers to be to reduce property taxes 25% across the board. I and many other people will be working our tails off to make this happen. Since the legislature won't do a damn thing thing, once again it will be up to the people to rise up, get involved, and force our legislators to take action or go home and let someone who cares have a chance. Apparently they're just too ignorant or too pig-headed to get the message voters sent in the last election. That is that we're fed up. We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore.
More to come, be well, Pat
Monday, December 17, 2007
The beat goes on
Greetings
Well, it's been awhile since I've written anything but it's only because I've been pretty busy. However, there has been a lot going on.
First of all, I wrote a guest column for my local paper, the Peninsula Gateway, on the property tax issue. Below is a copy of that article:
Well, it's been awhile since I've written anything but it's only because I've been pretty busy. However, there has been a lot going on.
First of all, I wrote a guest column for my local paper, the Peninsula Gateway, on the property tax issue. Below is a copy of that article:
( My wife and I have had the pleasure of living in the
Our property taxes have gone up 400% in just the last five years. And there is absolutely nothing to prevent the same thing from happening over the next five years. Without a change in our property tax system , I believe that’s it’s only a matter of time until home ownership, long a part of the American dream, will only be available to the wealthiest of families.
Under current
Please don’t think that this will change because of the legislature’s recent reinstatement of the1% cap on levy increases that fund our basic services .
I believe that what we desperately need is a system where we are only taxed on the purchase price of our homes plus a reasonable and predictable increase each year. Then we could actually budget for our property taxes which is impossible under our current system. Now we have the reinstatement of the 1% cap many wanted, but that is a separate issue from rising property assessments. This is what we need to change.
If you believe that paying tax on unrealized profit is unfair, you are not alone. And all the new “tax deferral” program really does is put a lien on your home. And to add to the insanity, you’re charged 7% interest for those deferred taxes. Wonderful. It will take an amendment to our state’s constitution to change our current property tax laws. They cannot be changed by the initiative process. Only our elected state representatives can make the changes we need, so please let them know how you feel.
I feel like now I must fight for my beloved home. And I will not quit until we have a reasonable, just and predictable property tax system in our state. I did not ask for this fight. Believe me, I would much rather spend time with my grandchildren than get involved in tax politics. It can be a nasty business . But I love my land. It’s my share of the American dream, and I will not let it be taxed away.. I have started a blog to provide a journal of these efforts at http://fightingoutofcontroltaxation.blogspot.com. And I will be attending a rally on January 14th, on the capitol steps at 11:00 to keep this issue in front of our lawmakers. That is the opening day of the 2008 legislative session. It is being organized by Property Owners for Predictable Tax Now. For more information please go to www.predictabletax.com. This is a volunteer group of people who have been working on these issues for two years. We would love to see you there. It’s the American way.)
Writing this article was an interesting process in itself. I would hope that if anyone reads this blog, that they might consider contacting their local newspapers and either writing a letter to the editor or at least talk to the editors and let them know how you feel. It has a lot more impact than you realize.
After writing this article, I received several e-mails and phone calls, and if there was one common thread in my feedback, it's the fact that everyone who responded was either retired or about to be. And every person was truly concerned about losing their homes to our antiquated and bottomless property tax system.
I also recently met with my district's state senator, Derek Kilmer. Although I found Senator Kilmer to be a sincere and likable person, I have mixed feelings at this point . I will talk more about this meeting in my next post after I've had an opportunity to digest my frustrations.
To be cont'd , Pat
Monday, December 3, 2007
Meeting with my first legislator
Greetings-
Well, what a day. I finally had my first face to face meeting with one of our local legislators on the property tax issue. I met with Larry Seaquist from the 26th district who happens to be a democrat. I really had no idea what to expect, but I have to admit, I liked him.
I did learn one thing right off the bat though, and that was not to just throw out generalities without some facts to back them up. For example, the minute I said I believe there's a lot of waste in government, his immediate reply was "Where?" And I could not answer with specific facts. He showed me that there is still much work to do on my learning curve and also not to generalize without the information to back it up. I'll try not to let that happen again.
As I understood Mr. Seaquist, he's in favor of a system that would freeze our property valuations at the purchase price for tax purposes. But he also said that is just a part of the big picture. He also believes that we need major "tax reforms" in Washington state. But at this time, he did not get into any specifics. I look forward to speaking with him in the future.
I also believe that I learned another big lesson today. It's a lot easier to sit around with your friends and complain about "politicians" then it is to sit across from one and look them in the eye . I saw decent man , a retired navy man and someone who really cares deeply about the issues.
The problems we face today are so great that we absolutely must figure out how to get our politicians to somehow begin to "really put their heads together" to work for the public good. They could really get a lot done if they'd quit worrying so much about who gets re-elected. They could really get a lot done if they would stop worrying so much about who gets the credit.
As far as I can tell, the way our system works now, a Republican could have a terrific idea to solve a problem and the Democrats will attack it because it was a republican idea. And the reverse is also true if the person with the good idea is a Democrat. The madness must stop. The words that were said by president Abraham Lincoln many years ago still ring true today. " a house divided against itself cannot stand"
It's late, I'm tired and it's been a long day... more to come..Be well, Pat
Well, what a day. I finally had my first face to face meeting with one of our local legislators on the property tax issue. I met with Larry Seaquist from the 26th district who happens to be a democrat. I really had no idea what to expect, but I have to admit, I liked him.
I did learn one thing right off the bat though, and that was not to just throw out generalities without some facts to back them up. For example, the minute I said I believe there's a lot of waste in government, his immediate reply was "Where?" And I could not answer with specific facts. He showed me that there is still much work to do on my learning curve and also not to generalize without the information to back it up. I'll try not to let that happen again.
As I understood Mr. Seaquist, he's in favor of a system that would freeze our property valuations at the purchase price for tax purposes. But he also said that is just a part of the big picture. He also believes that we need major "tax reforms" in Washington state. But at this time, he did not get into any specifics. I look forward to speaking with him in the future.
I also believe that I learned another big lesson today. It's a lot easier to sit around with your friends and complain about "politicians" then it is to sit across from one and look them in the eye . I saw decent man , a retired navy man and someone who really cares deeply about the issues.
The problems we face today are so great that we absolutely must figure out how to get our politicians to somehow begin to "really put their heads together" to work for the public good. They could really get a lot done if they'd quit worrying so much about who gets re-elected. They could really get a lot done if they would stop worrying so much about who gets the credit.
As far as I can tell, the way our system works now, a Republican could have a terrific idea to solve a problem and the Democrats will attack it because it was a republican idea. And the reverse is also true if the person with the good idea is a Democrat. The madness must stop. The words that were said by president Abraham Lincoln many years ago still ring true today. " a house divided against itself cannot stand"
It's late, I'm tired and it's been a long day... more to come..Be well, Pat
Saturday, December 1, 2007
It's getting interesting
Greetings-
This has truly been an interesting few days . So much has happened. I'm very encouraged about this property tax struggle. First of all the state legislature in a special session actually restored the basic tax limit on tax increases to the 1% that the voters passed by a large majority. Although this was a step in the right direction and can prevent taxing bodies from just going berserk, I still don't think our problems are solved for several reasons. For one thing, this new 1% cap does absolutely nothing to protect us from "banked capacity" which still allows local taxing bodies to raise taxes as much as 30% in some cases without any public input Also even though I am strongly against frivolous and irresponsible taxation, I personally wonder if 1% is enough to fund our necessary services.
Also as far as the new "tax deferral " goes, all it really does is put a lien on your property until you sell, and on top of that they have the unmitigated gall to charge 7% interest on those deferred taxes. Isn't that special? And most importantly of all, these changes do absolutely nothing to stop the out of control increases in assessed valuations that caused my property taxes to rise 400% in just five years.
Considering all this, a good question would be why am I so encouraged about the possibility of changes in our property tax system? There are actually several reasons;
1) First of all, EVERYONE that I talk to about property taxes is totally fed up with the brutal and draconian increases in their property tax each year. I believe that this public outrage, not only in our state, but all across the United States, has to proceed changes in our system.
2) I have also been fortunate enough to have already set up appointments to meet with 2 out of 3 of my district's legislators. And it's just a matter of co-ordinating schedules to meet with the third representative. He's already agreed to our meeting. I'm finally going to have a chance to sit down face to face with three people who actually have the power to implement change. The only way we can make changes in our current property tax system is by an amendment to the state constitution. We can not do it by initiative like I-747 or proposition 13 in California. I can't wait to have the opportunity to hear their opinions on these issues and to share mine and my friends with them, as well. I'm very excited at the opportunity to expand my understanding of these issues. Sort of like entering into the lion's den if you know what I mean. (Although seriously, I have heard that our districts legislators are truly decent people. We shall see)
3) In addition, our local newspaper, the Peninsula Gateway, has allowed me to write an article on the property tax issue as a guest columnist. Once again, I am honestly excited to do what I can in a small way to help educate and inform people in my community. I hope that others around the state go to their local representatives and their local papers and try and do what they can as well.
4) And last but not least, as I have gone online and done some research, I've found that homeowners all over this wonderful country are as fed up as I am. There is talk of "tax revolts" in almost every state in the union. I think that people are finally realizing that the" foxes have somehow taken over the hen house," and it's time to take to take it back. Cool. It's really getting interesting.
to be continued..Be well...Pat
This has truly been an interesting few days . So much has happened. I'm very encouraged about this property tax struggle. First of all the state legislature in a special session actually restored the basic tax limit on tax increases to the 1% that the voters passed by a large majority. Although this was a step in the right direction and can prevent taxing bodies from just going berserk, I still don't think our problems are solved for several reasons. For one thing, this new 1% cap does absolutely nothing to protect us from "banked capacity" which still allows local taxing bodies to raise taxes as much as 30% in some cases without any public input Also even though I am strongly against frivolous and irresponsible taxation, I personally wonder if 1% is enough to fund our necessary services.
Also as far as the new "tax deferral " goes, all it really does is put a lien on your property until you sell, and on top of that they have the unmitigated gall to charge 7% interest on those deferred taxes. Isn't that special? And most importantly of all, these changes do absolutely nothing to stop the out of control increases in assessed valuations that caused my property taxes to rise 400% in just five years.
Considering all this, a good question would be why am I so encouraged about the possibility of changes in our property tax system? There are actually several reasons;
1) First of all, EVERYONE that I talk to about property taxes is totally fed up with the brutal and draconian increases in their property tax each year. I believe that this public outrage, not only in our state, but all across the United States, has to proceed changes in our system.
2) I have also been fortunate enough to have already set up appointments to meet with 2 out of 3 of my district's legislators. And it's just a matter of co-ordinating schedules to meet with the third representative. He's already agreed to our meeting. I'm finally going to have a chance to sit down face to face with three people who actually have the power to implement change. The only way we can make changes in our current property tax system is by an amendment to the state constitution. We can not do it by initiative like I-747 or proposition 13 in California. I can't wait to have the opportunity to hear their opinions on these issues and to share mine and my friends with them, as well. I'm very excited at the opportunity to expand my understanding of these issues. Sort of like entering into the lion's den if you know what I mean. (Although seriously, I have heard that our districts legislators are truly decent people. We shall see)
3) In addition, our local newspaper, the Peninsula Gateway, has allowed me to write an article on the property tax issue as a guest columnist. Once again, I am honestly excited to do what I can in a small way to help educate and inform people in my community. I hope that others around the state go to their local representatives and their local papers and try and do what they can as well.
4) And last but not least, as I have gone online and done some research, I've found that homeowners all over this wonderful country are as fed up as I am. There is talk of "tax revolts" in almost every state in the union. I think that people are finally realizing that the" foxes have somehow taken over the hen house," and it's time to take to take it back. Cool. It's really getting interesting.
to be continued..Be well...Pat
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