Taking a note from the State

As I watched the session at the Capitol unfold this year, the vision for the State resonated with my vision for Iowa County.

The Republican trifecta worked hard to lower income taxes, decrease budgets, and get government off Iowan’s backs. If reelected, that’s exactly my intent for change in Iowa County.

In the last 10 years, Iowa County’s property tax revenue has increased by 30%. How many of our citizens have increased their income by 30%? I am guessing very few.

Constituents who are living on Social Security and fixed-income are being taxed out of their homes. I strongly supported the property tax relief bill passed last assembly, as it finally ended the open checkbook mentality most county supervisors hold.

I worked hard to cut every single budget I legally can and have weighed the cost of every service provided to the county. I firmly believe there is more work to be done in cutting budgets and examining what services are essential.

More importantly, there are ample opportunities to collaborate with public and private entities to enhance services while saving taxpayer dollars. This will provide a mechanism to continue all essential services while stabilizing property taxes.

The State has consolidated boards governing tax dollars and provided more accountability to spending. Given the ability, I would do the same in Iowa County.

We have boards comprised of unelected citizens given authority to spend your property tax dollars with no accountability at the ballot. We absolutely should have knowledgeable citizens serving as advisory council, but every tax dollar spent should be governed by the elected officials.

I think it’s time for the Iowa County Board of Supervisors to make tough decisions to cut spending, just as every family in this county has likely done.