I would like to propose that this measure may actually do some good. I’ve read an extensive amount of reasons against it, but I think the primary reason for it passing has been overlooked.
My Thoughts on ND Measure 2 Property Tax Proposal
Taxes that say that even though I have bought and paid for my house I must still pay to live on this little piece of land that the city says I can’t re-build on if something were to happen to my house, or if I don’t pay my nearly $150/month they can take my paid for house valued somewhere around $120,000 away from me. Still when they resurfaced the two adjacent streets and fixed some small parts of the curb they added it to my property taxes as "specials" to the tune of $3600, and additional $650/year.
In this scenario I don’t feel like I live in the land of the free in a way I would like to. We are looking to home school our children this next year because of all of cuts and curriculum shortages in the public schools, but we don’t have the choice to use that money every month to pay for our kids’ education curriculum.
I have no problem paying for roads, schools, etc, but I believe that my portion of it should be more based on what I spend and not on what I already own. Especially in my current career path I have to watch what I spend, and these are costs I have no control of, they are imposed on me by someone else.
I would be willing to pay an extra percent of city sales tax instead of having no choice on the matter. At least city sales tax would be easier to keep in check, and if it gets too high for the taxpayer, or the economy slouches then cuts would need to be made.
I do think tourism and export relations are important to bringing money into our state, but could be done better by private entities rising up to fill the needs after any cuts. They could even do it better for most likely less money. I worked for the state for 13 years and was disturbed by the expenses and unmotivated employees.(not all, but many have settled into coasting) That just can’t happen in the market place, or they move on to something else.(which may actually make them happier)
To be honest I would like to see the same done with state income tax and federal eventually as well. Let the market place and the population decide how much money the government has to spend. These other types of taxation are unconstitutional and have crept into the system over time to allow for our government to grow well beyond it’s original boundaries. This measure isn’t perfect no measure or change will ever be, but wow what a chance to move back towards what this country was founded on!
Just my opinion
Just my opinion
Measure 2 Study:
In an article for the Grand Forks Herald, Brett Narloch, executive director of the North Dakota Policy Council, uses data from a Beacon Hill Institute study on the effects of eliminating property tax in the state to highlight the measure's possible positive impacts on the state's economy. According to the study's findings, private employment would increase by more than 13,000, private investment would see an increase of $980 million, and there would be a $1,430 rise in disposable income per capita. The authors of the study believe the positive benefits, from eliminating property tax, to the private-sector economy are certain. Narloch further states that the measure would create a fairer business climate, thus helping to diversify the state economy.
According to Narloch, the North Dakota Policy Council is a nonpartisan, 501(c)3 organization and is prohibited from supporting or opposing ballot measures.[19]
