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November 06, 2006
Amendment 2: Pros and Cons
I haven't written much on the second statewide referendum we'll decide tomorrow, and, well, it's now or never.
Amendment 2 isn't sexy like "gay marriage" and "traditional family values." It's about property tax assessments and other things that cause us to yawn in concert. Contrary to what a lot of people think, it would not, taken by itself, do anything about property tax freezes. So what is it? And who's behind it?
It all starts with a man who would be Governor someday (he was among those rumored to be eyeing the seat this time around, but seems smarter than to take on a popular centrist incumbent). This man is state Senator Mark Norris of District 32.
As you well know by now, in order for an amendment to our state constitution to even come before us voters, legislation authorizing it must pass in two sessions, and in both houses, of the General Assembly. That's quite a hurdle, but, couched in the right terms, "property tax relief for seniors" is quite the easy sell. As Sen. Norris put it (disclaimer: I'm short on time to look for links), it's "a no-brainer."
But let's use our brains for just a few minutes on this one. I am truly undecided, even though I have earlier endorsed a Yes vote on this amendment. People with good arguments have caused me to think twice. In the interest of time, here are a few links, for and against:
An uncredited blogger quoted at VolunteerVoters
The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle editorial says YES.
Why isn't property tax relief a good thing? See, right now, if local real estate taxes go up, they go up for everybody. That seems "fair," right? But the problem that many are seeing is that fixed-income elderly folks are hit with these increases and can't afford them. But is the solution only to be found in amending the constitution? Does it require messing with the framework?
Part of me doesn't see why not, if it only allows the state legislature to open up this freeze option to local governments. Another part of me is wary about this and any other proposed amendment that seeks to make law rather than to justify the margins. (Ahem: see Amendment One. Vote NO on 1!)
I still don't know which oval I will darken* on this second question. I guess I'll figure it out around lunchtime tomorrow.
*Hey, where are our HAVA machines in Hamilton County? I'm none too excited about the lack of paper trail and hacking potential inherent in electronic machines, but I thought we were supposed to have them regardless.
Elections | By joe lance | 09:17 PM