Paying our way through property taxes

April 19, 2005

Spectrum/Rev. Howard Bess

Darlene and I received our new property assessment and blinked our eyes. It is a mixed blessing. The higher figure confirmed what I suspected. The value of our home has increased significantly, and that means we have more equity in our property.

At the same time, it brought to our attention a new reality. The value of our home is well past the $150,000 property-tax exemption that the state of Alaska so generously gives us and all Alaska seniors. In the next year, we will be paying a significant amount of property tax for the first time. We will do so happily as thankful citizens of our Valley.

Senior citizens have it pretty good here in Alaska. Like others, we pay no income tax and only a very modest sales tax.

We know of what we speak. We lived in southern California for more than 20 years prior to moving to Alaska.

At most restaurants, we find 10 percent subtracted from our tab. We go to Palmer High football and basketball games and find that we get in free. We attend movies and find discounted rates for seniors. Occasionally we go to the Palmer Senior Center and eat a sumptuous meal for a pittance. Most stores treat us with deference. We feel appreciated. And all because of one reality - we have grown older.

When I read in the Frontiersman that some tax assessment had doubled or tripled, I understood what was happening. Those owners either have not been assessed properly in the past, or they own property that has zoomed upward in value.

And when I read that some seniors are complaining because of paying property tax for the first time, my reaction is "hold the tears."

They have been riding the same gravy train that we have. Add to this the benefit all Alaskans have, the permanent fund dividend. Over the years, the state of Alaska has sent us thousands and thousands and more thousands of dollars. Our great virtue? We live in Alaska.

Please do not think that we are wealthy people. As a minister, I never made much money. We live on Social Security and a modest ministerial retirement check. We live well but modestly.

If need be, we would cut back on our living style and pay property taxes without complaint.

Why? We like what we get for our property tax payment. Let's start with roads and road maintenance. How about the park and recreation systems that are in our back yards? Emergency services and fire protection. Most of all, a very fine public-school system.

I smile when I see the big yellow buses run through our neighborhood and pick up the neighborhood kids. An educated society is one of my bonuses as an American citizen. One of my ideals is a community where every child has the opportunity to receive quality education to the highest levels consistent with ability and effort. We are very willing to help pay the price of our ideals.

Valley people collectively pay for these things through property taxes. Only the selfish and the short-sighted would complain. I have heard rumblings about a property-tax cap. No doubt the rising property values will be the chosen horse to ride to a property-tax cap. Do not be fooled. Tax-cap proposals are the weapon of the selfish conservative to attack our public-school system.

Their approach, with petition in hand, will be the question, "But don't you think all the people should have a chance to vote on an issue like this?" The answer is a very firm "no." I believe in government by elected officials, who meet regularly and hold public debate about a large range of issues, including taxes. Initiatives by petition put words in our mouths without any opportunity for debate. Selfish people frame the issue, choose all the words and then ask a gullible public to sign on. When people with the initiative petition for a tax cap approach you at the local post office, take Nancy Reagan's advice. Just say "no."

Selfish conservatives always make their appeals by proclaiming the rights of individuals. In contrast, people of real compassion make appeals based on the constitutional requirement of the common good. I have never seen an initiative petition that was not selfish in character. When my property tax bill appears in my mail box, I will write the check for my tax payment with a smile on my face. I am very happy and blessed to be an Alaska senior.

The Rev. Howard Bess is a 77-year-old Baptist minister who happily gives his pastoral time to the Church of the Covenant in Palmer.