Jim Smith's comments suggesting that Marco Rubio must be smoking some illegal substance for proposing a massive overhaul of the property tax situation is self serving and ignorant. Anyone with a high school education can see that a drop in property taxes would significantly benefit renters, because landlords would be forced by competitive conditions in the market to lower rents.
For example: Let's say that the tax bill on a property would be lowered by $200 a month, and half of that were passed on to the tenant. With a 2.5 cent increase in the sales tax, the tenant would have to spend $4,000 a month in additional purchases, before suffering any economic loss. Math 101.
By supporting Rubio's proposal, not only would the lower income folks benefit, perhaps we could put the entire property appraiser's office out of business, and computerize the appraisal process, saving the taxpayers even more! Let the voters decide.
Property Tax Proposal
The Republican proposal to over haul the property tax system, is the smartest thing I've ever heard out of Tallahasse. If passed, it would instantly return sanity to the battered real estate market, and people would once again look forward to retiring in Florida. It would also help renters, because property owners would no longer have to jack up prices, to cover costs, and investors would start building rental units.
Brilliant!
Penny For Pinellas
How sneaky of local politicians to put this on the March ballot lot. Given a choice between the penny and a two- or three-penny statewide sales tax that would eliminate or reduce property taxes, I'll take the latter any day.
Extending the penny tax time line reduces voter support for the sales tax. Don't be duped. Vote down the penny, and get the local pols off the dole.
John Schwartz
