Letter: Property taxes out of control; support Measure 2

Property tax is not just. A yes vote on Measure 2 would support eliminating property taxes in North Dakota.

Here is what Rep. Ron Paul, who supports Measure 2, says about property tax: “The property tax is the most complex, burdensome, costly and unfair tax imposed by the state and local government. There cannot be true liberty when citizens are not secure in their own homes. As long as the government can impose taxes on one’s property and enforce that exaction by confiscation of the property, there is not real freedom or security.

One of the most egregious effects of this tax is that it punishes citizens who improve their property. A person who upgrades his home and yard is often rewarded with a higher assessment and thus a larger tax to pay. This is far different from other taxes, which are based on income level or voluntary consumption of products.”

Greed has certainly taken hold in the area. Contrary to a recent letter writer, there are some landlords who will pass along some decrease in rent if Measure 2 passes. Not everyone is a scavenger. Measure 2 will be a test for them.

Also, I hope everyone is aware that Measure 2 will not increase water, sewer and garbage fees as the letter writer suggested. Property taxes usually do not fund these fee-based services. With the huge increases in oil revenue, tax shifting will be very little.

There are many who live solely on their Social Security check and limited incomes. Property taxes are out of control since they usually have been going up faster than the rate of inflation here and across the state.

Vote yes on Measure 2 on June 12.

Wallace Beaudoin, Dickinson

Tags: measure 2, opinion, letter, letters