Governor Proposes Cap on Property Taxes, Dems Revolt

The Hartford Courant reports:

Hoping to stem rising local taxes on homes and cars, the Republican governor said she is taking the unprecedented step to limit how much cities and towns can raise them. Under her plan, local property tax increases would be capped at 3 percent per year, with some exceptions.

We at ConnCon absolutely love the idea of capping property taxes so that they cannot double for 33 years! Property taxes are WAY too high and this is a very bold proposal, indeed. The Governor rightfully stated "There will be, I believe, a property tax revolt unless we get real relief. And we need to have that now."

Of course, no discussion of property tax relief would be complete without pointing out that the state Democrats have already come out against the proposal. Under the Governor's plan a town could "exceed the 3 percent cap with a two-thirds vote of the local governing body and a majority vote of the residents. There would also be exceptions for emergencies, such as a natural disaster." House Speaker, D-Milford, reacted harshly stating "This plan ... would create chaos, more bureaucracy, threaten basic services in every town. Can you imagine 169 towns holding referendums on taxes?"

The Speaker's "concerns" expose the fact that he doesn't think taxpayers ought to have a say in how much they are taxed! Imagine, voters actually deciding how much the government needs! What a concept!

We at ConnCon will keep a close eye on this one....

Support the Troops?

Thanks to a long-time ConnCon reader for pointing out this story from Saturday's Hartford Courant. The article notes that the West Hartford Board of Education, by a 4-3 vote, voted in favor of HOLDING classes next Veteran's Day.

The message sent by the vote was not lost on dissenting board member Tom Fiorentino, who, according to the Courant "explained that the decision was ill-timed and 'unwise,' given the country's ongoing military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan." Proponents of the decision claimed it "would give the town's veterans and military staff an opportunity to participate in recognition ceremonies." By that logic, why not hold classes on other holidays? Would not holding classes on Martin Luther King Day allow for recognition of Dr. King's efforts?

We at ConnCon think the vote -- coupled with a recent anti-war "forum" held in the town where Rep. Larson was told to impeach the President -- is a sad commentary on the Town of West Hartford.