Letter to the editor: So-called dangers of measure are being misrepresented

Have you read Measure 2?

If not now, when is the time to do so? You will be amazed at how the people of the state of North Dakota will benefit from this measure. First of all, we never really own our property. Try not paying your property taxes for three years and you will see who really owns your property. This is one of the most unfair taxes we have.

There are so many outright deceptions and misrepresentations being told as to what will happen if property taxes are abolished. Such as income taxes will have to be raised, and sales tax will be increased. These are absolute scare tactics.

Both income and sales tax collections are exceeding 50 percent of projections and growing. That is in addition to other revenue sources such as oil and gas revenues, which added $42 million into the Legacy Fund in March 2012 (30 percent is oil income revenues). That is in addition to another $3.1 million going into the state general fund daily ($90 million per month).

Those of us in the agricultural business had better pay attention: the day is coming when each and every out building and home on your farmstead will be taxed. Agricultural land value assessments were recently increased by 32 percent. This leads to one group (farmers) to pay more while others continue to pay nothing at all.

Property taxes are not based on your income, spending or ability to pay, but rather government spending which determines the tax on the value of what you own.

Measure 2 will attract new business, especially capital investment business, such as manufacturing which pay higher wages.

Legislature spending will be prioritized as a constitutional mandate, whereby K-12 and local governments are first in line. Once and for all, special interests will have to get in line behind schools and local governments for their handouts.

Measure 2 will guarantee local governments control over how they allocate their own funds, with no state oversight or control on how those funds are to be spent. By passing Measure 2, North Dakota families, the disabled, elderly and those on fixed incomes will not have to worry about the ever-rising property taxes, which can force them out of their homes. Our children and grandchildren will be able to buy and own a home and feel secure in knowing the taxes will not destroy the American dream of home ownership.

Robert Rudland

Minot

Tags: measure 2, opinion, letters