Letter to the editor: Measure 2 gives the power back to the people

The Measure 2 “No” people do not trust the North Dakota Legislature to come up with a fair formula for distributing funds to replace property tax. Formulas exist already for distribution of funds to the political subdivisions that include the schools, roads and other mandated services.

The vote no coalition sounds like they are anti-government in a sort of posse comitatus manner.

Eliminating the property tax would level the playing field for everyone. People would pay their fair share by paying other, far more fair, taxes.

As Measure 2 states in Section 14–5, “the Legislative assembly shall pass such laws as are appropriate to implement this amendment.”

“What a radical idea” trumpet leaders of the anti-government, anti-Measure 2 coalition. The “no” people imply that the Legislature is fundamentally corrupt and will not follow this constitutional amendment even if passed! If that were to be the case, we have far bigger problems than whether Measure 2 passes or not. We would have a rogue state Legislature. Is that what the “no” people believe? They certainly seem to.

Every member of the coalition to defeat Measure 2 has a full-time paid lobbyist in Bismarck. We — the people — have none.

What are the “no” people afraid of? Why are they suddenly so concerned about control at the local level? Could it be that they know that they possess a great deal of that control now and may lose it? Follow the money. Follow the real power. Measure 2 will, in solid fact, give the power back to the people, and do so constitutionally.

This is the opportunity for you to actually own your home. North Dakota has a great destiny, it is a leader among the states.

Vote “Yes” on Measure 2 on June 12.

Keith Colville

Valley City, N.D.

Tags: measure 2, opinion, letters