Stop the hysteria over property-tax cuts
The Democratic hysteria over Republican proposals to cut or possibly eliminate property taxes for Florida homeowners stems from a liberal media portrayal that these proposals are poorly thought out, with no real plan to replace tax revenue. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Recent “sky is falling!” opinion pieces in major news outlets ignored state Rep. Ryan Chamberlin’s three-part plan to phase out and eliminate property taxes by tapping other revenue sources. His “Freedom 1-2-3” plan deserves consideration even if it frightens tax-hungry Democrats. After all, Democrats pay property taxes, too.
Given the sizable and growing Republican voter registration advantage in Florida, becoming the first state to abolish property taxes could be a defeat that Democrats may never recover from, if they side with big government over homeowners.
The centerpiece of “Freedom 1-2-3” is a 5% real estate transaction tax. This fee, included in a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, would be much cheaper for property owners than more property taxes.
The plan also suggests shifting the tax burden to tourist-related activities, placing the burden on the growing number of visitors to Florida. In 2023, spending by out-of-state visitors rose by 4.9% to $131 billion. Other possible revenue sources include a 3% sales tax for schools. The cost of public schools is mainly paid by homeowners, many of whom don’t have kids in school.
Eliminating property taxes deserves thoughtful discussion, not knee-jerk reactions from politicians who tremble at the prospect of lost real estate assessments, millage rate adjustments, revenue distribution, the power to confiscate property and the bureaucracy that presides over it.
John Daly Sr. Coral Springs
Honor National Guard soldiers who were shot
The shocking and heartbreaking shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., is a tragedy that should shake every American. Members of the National Guard make a multitude of sacrifices to serve their state and nation. It is never just one weekend a month. These citizen soldiers are required to meet the same standards, training requirements, and expectations as their active duty counterparts, all while balancing civilian careers, families, and community responsibilities.
Soldiers do not pick their missions. They go where they are ordered to go and they often volunteer for additional duties and deployments. These two Guardsmen were serving their country with honor when their lives were taken. They gave everything for the communities and the nation they swore to protect.
The perpetrator must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Justice must be swift, firm, and unwavering. Violence against service members strikes at the heart of our national character and cannot be tolerated.
During this holiday season we should pause to pray for the families of these fallen soldiers. We should be grateful for their service and sacrifice, and we should reflect on the quiet, steadfast courage of the men and women of the National Guard who stand ready to protect us every day.
Their memories deserve our honor and our deepest respect.
Duncan DeMarsh DeLand
Trump’s unnecessary slur against Walz
Donald Trump once again demonstrated what I see as his utter ignorance and inept leadership ability with his Thanksgiving message that described Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz with a slur usually directed at people with disabilities. While many of us were privileged enough to celebrate a peaceful Thanksgiving Day, Trump couldn’t shut off his mind. I find it quite sad that he would find it necessary to project his insecurities on the multitude of disabled people in our country. I don’t think it’s a matter of agreeing to disagree anymore as it relates to Donald Trump. In my opinion, if you are still inclined to support him, you are just plain wrong.
Clint Buczkowski Lake Mary
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