Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes on Measure 4

Property tax is a contradiction to private property rights, implying that government is the actual owner, and real estate is only rented in perpetuity vis-a-vis property tax. The deed to your house or land really only conveys use or occupancy rights. Miss enough "rent" payment and you will be evicted.

This system creates an unfair hardship for anyone on fixed income, to the point that rising property values and taxes can eventually force them out of their homes. Even if they are able to remain in the house, the property tax bill consumes an increasingly large percentage of their income.

Think of how much it costs to maintain a house. Money is spent hiring contractors and buying materials, supporting the local economy. So, after many years of local economic benefit, how does the local control of property tax, considered by so many to be its redeeming feature, benefit the homeowner, who is squeezed out of their home due to rising taxes?

Some argue that out-of-the-area property owners need to pay their share to fund our local government. Why? They are not directly using any of the services that local government provides. There are likely just as many locals who are forced to pay property tax in other jurisdictions, resulting in a significant financial drain out of our community, essentially cancelling the gain from outside tax dollars.

North Dakota state government has experienced a dramatic increase in both revenue and spending in the recent past. Measure 4 is a unique opportunity to free property owners from the shackles of property tax and unleash an economic boom for our state by redirecting existing state revenues back to local levels. You can visit the website endpropertytax.com to see more information including suggested sources of state money. Passing Measure 4 will change the way government is funded, and change can be uncomfortable. Don't let that stop you from helping put an end to an unfair system. Please join me in voting yes for Measure 4.

Preston Meier,

New Rockford, N.D.

Editor's Note: Per our policy regarding letters to the editor, the publication of this letter has been paid for by Preston Meier.