Dakota Beacon

The opposition to Measure 2 is ignoring the taxpayers of North Dakota. They say that the elimination of property tax is a bad idea because the consequences have not been thought out. Has anybody really stopped to think what consequences they are concerned about. They certainly are not concerned about the taxpayer consequences. If they were concerned with the welfare of the taxpayers, they would suggest an alternative tax to fund our local governments. But they are not doing that. They are adamant that the property tax concept must remain for the sake of local government control.

Where is the logic in the argument that property tax is the only way to maintain local government control? That is not even an argument because we all know that there are alternative taxing methods to property taxes. We all know that we sustain our State Government with our income taxes. How come the opposition can’t fathom that our local governments can be sustained in a similar way?

In a recent appearance, on the Jay Thomas Radio Show in Fargo, a state representative was suggesting a property tax relief in place of Measure 2. His suggestion certainly implies that there is something fundamentally wrong with the property tax concept. Has anybody heard of an income tax relief program by the State? Of course not, there is no need for that because everybody can afford it.

The inherit qualities of the property tax are irreparable. No amount of relief will ever fix the fact that it denies our freedom to own our homes or be secure in our homes. It is extremely troublesome that the opposition and the politicians can’t see the aggrieving taxpayer situation.

Now that we hear the international news about Syria, we can draw a thought parallel with our property tax concept. Any property tax retention and relief is as stupid as saying that relief to the Syrian people will stop the regime from killing them.

There is absolutely no rational reason to retain a predatory tax when we have alternatives to do otherwise. The property tax does not belong in our society when we have a civilized alternatives to support our local governments. I wish the citizens of North Dakota success on June 12, 2012 and a great thank you for leading the way to regain our constitutional rights of homeownership.