Tax Revolt initiatives only hope for reform

By Marcia Lincoln

Published: November 6,2007

With the Nov. 1 deadline for property tax payment just behind us, I would like the citizens of Arizona to be aware of two citizens' initiatives circulating for the election next fall.

The Arizona Tax Revolt initiatives expand and improve on California's Proposition 13, which saved many homeowners from being taxed out of their homes. They are well-worded and are our only hope for true property tax reform.

Very briefly, one initiative rolls back property valuations and improvements to 2003 and puts a 2 percent cap on increases; the other rolls back tax levies to 2005 and requires a two-thirds vote to increase levies or to approve bonds.

Why is this needed in Arizona? Property taxes are spiraling out of control, along with government spending. Consider that property taxes are the only taxes we pay (and you pay them via your rent, even if you don't own property) that don't depend on an individual's ability to pay.

Your taxes increase just because your neighbors got a great price when selling their homes. Imagine the American dream of homeownership, but your hard-earned dollars can no longer afford to pay the rapidly rising property taxes and you are forced out of your home.

This is not an unrealistic scenario and is an even greater threat for retired people. Property valuations have been increasing, in many cases, by 30 percent to 50 percent in one year, with concomitant tax increases far beyond the rate of inflation.

We taxpayers are tapped out. The Star just ran a series on growth and costs. The government will always say it needs more money.

Why not? It is our money being spent.

I have heard from many people who lived in California before and after Proposition 13 passed, including the chief architect of these initiatives. There, the politicians claimed police and fire protection would be cut way back, teachers would lose their jobs, et cetera. As a matter of fact, none of these things occurred.

The politicians had to learn to live within a budget, just like the taxpayers do. The levy initiative will force government to reduce waste and inefficiency.

Property taxes should not continue to be such a major revenue source. I can no longer even support land conservation bonds, though I consider myself an environmentalist, because the money all comes from property taxes.

When property taxes have reached the point where people are questioning their ability to stay in their home, they are too high already. We can't afford more bonds.

I urge everyone to support this all-volunteer organization and the initiatives. Sign the petitions. Volunteer. To learn more about the property tax initiatives, visit the Web site: www.ArizonaTaxRevolt.org

When it comes to property taxes, all the voters have to decide is if they support the overtaxer or the overtaxed.

Write to Lincoln at boahiss@gmail.com.