This summer
on June 12th, the state of North Dakota is going to head to the
polls to make a decision on one of the most important pieces of legislation in
recent history. However, contrary to my thoughts on the measure to keep the
Fighting Sioux name, that is not the measure I am talking about.
Measure 2
is the item on the ballot in June that would eliminate authority to levy
property tax. The idea may sound very simplistic in nature, but the effects of
such legislation would have lasting impact (whether it will be positive or negative
impact often becomes a very political discussion).
This has
been a very hotly debated topic in the press, on radio call-in shows, and at
local gathering points. It is important to remember that debate is an important
part of the process as it hopefully educates the public on the issue. As an
administrator of the school I feel it is important to assist in that process by
doing two things.
First, I
believe it is important to provide sources of information for the public to
become educated on the issues at hand. Both sides of the issue have websites
that have a wealth of information. Empowerthetaxpayer.org (Pro-Measure
2) and keepitlocalnd.com (Anti-Measure 2) are great avenues to weigh the
points both sides present. This is a critical part of the process as every
citizen is hopefully learning about all of the possible scenarios that may
arise from either the passing or defeat of Measure 2. As someone who has taken
a great amount of time in learning about both viewpoints, I have come to
understand it is never as simple as “let’s just eliminate property taxes”. The
politics of the issue are in full swing and both sides will only ramp it up as
the vote gets closer.
Second, as
the superintendent of a school, the impending vote on Measure 2 has caused a
great amount of uncertainty. I can only assume the governing boards of
townships and cities have just as much concern. This concern originates from
the cloudiness, which is the future financial stability of our schools, towns,
and townships. Schools rely on the ability to levy property tax in order to
supplement the current state funding. Part of Measure 2 would require the state
to fund “legally imposed obligations” of school districts and political
subdivisions. There is much debate about
what that exactly means for the future. The legislature would also be required
to create a formula, which would determine allocations to school districts and
local municipalities. It is impossible to formulate an opinion on what a
formula would look like, how it would affect our school, town and townships,
and also how long it would even take to create the formula. I mention this not
to sway anyone’s opinion either way, but to express how this causes concern as
there would be less local control in determining how schools and local
municipalities are operated. For another person’s viewpoint on how Measure 2
would impact local governments and local districts here is an article written
by a former city auditor and current school business manager.
There are
many thoughts that I have concerning this issue, but in the end I have one
vote, just as you do. What will you do with that vote? Vote yes, vote no..that
is up to you. All anyone can ask is that each voter casts a vote based on some
form of research and all questions are asked and answered before voting. A
measure of this magnitude is owed at least that much.
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