This week SVI has included reports about Constitutional Amendment A that you will find on the Nov. 5 General Election Ballot.
SVI used reports from other publications because I’m one of the sponsors on the original legislation for the Constitutional Amendment and it would be better to have some distance on the reporting but still keep you informed on what all of it means as you head to the ballot box in November.
The Lincoln County Republican Party had a Central Committee meeting of 30-plus people this past Saturday with some two thirds, expressing opposition to the amendment and at the same time supporting a resolution in a voice vote. That resolution is also carried on page one for your review with the others reports from Wyoming publications on the amendment.
I can understand the concerns but ultimately for me it’s not about a resolution. I see my duty as finding a solution to the ever increasing property taxes and all options should be on the table to reach that solution, including Amendment A.
We have families who have called Star Valley home for several generations. It’s my obligation and assignment to find them relief from a property tax system that has gone awry with the new wealth moving into the valley in the past couple of decades.
There needs to be a balance and I want a full selection of choices to work with in correcting the problem for Star Valley and Lincoln County.
My obligation is not to a small group of people but to the 4,698 that chose to vote in this past election.
They deserve a solution and I want all the options on the table to work with.
• Lincoln County Republicans pass resolution
PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT “A”
Whereas, property taxes have increased dramatically in Wyoming over the past several years, and;
Whereas, politicians across the state in 2022 ran on the promise to provide property tax reform to resolve the issue, and;
Whereas, though numerous bills to address the issue were presented, the majority of legislators killed those bills, and;
Whereas, the only bill to pass was a Constitutional Amendment submitted by Jackson Democrat megadonor, turned politician, Liz Storer, to create two new property tax classes, and; Whereas, politicians have proven their reluctance to reduce taxes while finding new and creative ways to spend the People’s money, and;
Whereas, it is unlikely that politicians will cut taxes on either class and it is more likely that with smaller classes they will have less resistance in raising taxes on each class separately, and;
Whereas, the likely increase in either class will increase the burden on individuals, families, renters and their landlords, and small businesses across Wyoming, therefore;
Be it resolved, the Lincoln County Republican Party opposes Proposed Constitutional Amendment “A”, and encourages all Lincoln County voters to oppose the proposal.