It is not the TEA Party premise to eliminate taxes. There are many individual thinkers out there. Meaning in this country. Some of these independent thinkers have joined groups such as C4RG, the TEA Party, The Republic..on and on. These individuals can and at times do belong to a number of different organizations.
My, and I am speaking for myself, my ideal is a transparent government. I want to see responsible spending and accounting for our tax dollars. TEA actually stands for Taxed Enough Already. It is not a zero taxation. We have all learned that there has been vast waste with our tax dollars. I will not attach links to prove my point. I, and many like me, want to see an accounting of what our elected officials have taken and perhaps sound reasoning for further needs.
I have my doubts about Measure 2. I also know it could be made to work. Our local communites do need a shake up. The people should not be considered an unlimited source. The creation of TIF districts, renaissance zones and 501C3 - these generate no property tax. Of course we all know about new structure waivers and such for predetermined years. There is only a certain percentage, if memory serves, about 60% of property owners in any given community that actually pay this tax. I hope you all do understand that those who obtain a 501C3 are not all churches.
North Dakota had not shown for many years, a significant growth in population. (1960's to 20??) It was less than 5% for several decades. Our ND government grew well beyond that. Now I do not have the data next to me. I am not in Williston at the moment. I want to say in the same time period - 200%, I do recall figures much higher. In contrast, fewer people paying for way more. Western ND still feeling very slighted. I will not blame the issue on the need for more representation. We have sent the same gentlemen to the legislature, they know the game and our progress has been ??. There should be a formula to ease this issue. The state is aware of the need.
Guys, I also see that we really don't have a choice in our representation. Count the names on the ballot when you vote.
I do recall a meeting with Larry G. and the TEA Party group. He was asked about the consideration of a half cent. He was a stern NO at that point. That is what held me up. NOTE: it passed. Glen G. was entitled to his view. He attended a ton of meetings on the issue. I am aware of one discussion early on, Ward K. (prior to the first vote) stating that a special election was the venue to be sought. Lower voter turnout and ease with passing. I was put off by that. It should have been, information and a concrete idea developing.
I will not speak for the group as a whole on this page. I applaud the individuality of each unique person. I found them all great people, each with a cause. Just as you all have your causes, bravo. Fight for what you believe in. I never want to be narrow minded as to discount the important issues for my neighbor. I accepted so many points of view, even if you felt them disjointed, because I felt enriched learning what others thought and sought. Our Government may appear to host an organized meeting, but the end product is often disjointed and convoluted.
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Our ELECTED officials are our employees. These individuals asked for this job. We must govern our employees.
I for one would still love to hear the tea party reply to this question. I would think that after listening to them meeting after meeting ask us the same questions, they could find the time to answer this one.
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Today is a great day to be a Yankee........Yogi Berra
Randy, I'm right there with ya. From what I see on a national level I believe having this group as a "watchdog" is a good thing. They haven't been extreme in their behavior from what I can tell. For the most part their philosophical ideas have remained relatively static.
But when I look at the local Tea Party, things get scattered (for lack of a better term). First the big push to do away with property taxes and move to a state sales tax (scary thought). Now they want to keep a portion of the property tax that we could get rid of and vote "no" on a sales tax.
And Glen's reasoning for voting no, that of which would be giving one entity that much of a raise, is still coming out of the other side of his mouth. If this state were to get rid of property taxes and go to an all out sales tax, based on population and property versus where sales tax are currently, we would be giving the state an incridible amount of money.
So again I ask, which is it? No property taxes or no sales tax? You can't have no tax period so that can't be the answer.
Sue, please enlighten me on this subject. Perhaps I need the education.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
Seriously, I generally agree with the values and positions of the Tea Party, but I have not studied the organization in depth, have not attended any meetings, and am not a member. I am looking forward to Sue's response.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
Sue, please help me understand what the local Tea Party represents because I'm completely and utterly confused.
Is it no property taxes? Or no sales tax?
And if the answer is "neither" then I guess I really know exactly what I'm dealing with.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
