For the past several years the taxes that go to support cities, school districts, counties and our state government have become a major burden on homeowners.
As election time approaches, we should ask candidates their positions on protecting homeowners from shifting tax burdens onto us.
Having managed a business for some 44 years, as real estate taxes grew, I was able to make changes by improving operational efficiencies, charging more fees, paying less dividends, etc.
We homeowners don’t have those options as we are at the “beginning of the food chain” with no place to shift increasing taxes.
I have been before legislative committees a few times on this issue and have been insulted by our representatives telling me, “If you can’t pay your taxes, sell it.” I have begun to wonder who represents us – the homeowners? I always mistakenly thought it was those we sent to Helena. But I’m beginning to think they represent the 442 registered lobbyists and the government agencies – not us.
Where do homeowners fit in with timberland, agriculture, real estate speculators with 20-plus-acre parcels? Those special interests all get tax breaks, as do businesses with the decreased business equipment and inventory tax.
Our homes are special places, very special, and they need to be treated as such – not the second homes, rental properties, recreational properties.
Suggested legislation should consider length of ownership and occupancy (five years), primary living quarters 10 months per year, ability to register to vote where your home is located.
Since our elected officials give no consideration to homeowners, must we band together and hire a lobbyist to get noticed? We shouldn’t need to, as we are a tremendous voting block. How do we get their attention?
Charles R. Abell
Whitefish