Letter: Legislators must directly address property taxes

Friday, Nov. 19, 2004 | 4:54 a.m.

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November 20 - 21, 2004

Because Las Vegas property values have vastly increased over a very short period of time, while most peoples' incomes have remained relatively stable, property tax rates should be reduced to make total property tax proceeds revenue-neutral.

Otherwise, there will be a back-door tax increase without the Legislature having to openly vote upon such a weighty issue, and thereby face the voters' wrath. Further, the idea of a yearly tax-cap merely delays, but does not solve, the dilemma of elderly fixed-income residents and others who will be driven from their homes over time by this massive property tax increase.

Wasn't this country founded upon the principle of "No taxation without representation?" If Las Vegas residents are to face these types of truly gigantic tax raises, let our legislators put it to an open vote.

DOUG MARTIN

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