I’m not a policy wonk or political pundit—I’m just a retired, lifelong Floridian who’s alarmed by the consequences to Tallahassee and other communities if the ill-conceived property tax initiative passes. I see ominous parallels between Amendment 3 and DOGE, an entity that massacred vital agencies within the federal government with a figurative and literal chainsaw.
Property taxes are the main revenue for city and county governments in Florida. Slashing assessed values with a $250,000 homestead exemption is fiscal carnage. Law enforcement, fire protection, emergency services, zoning and planning, animal control, courts, parks, building inspection, libraries, and community centers will fight for funding from a hemorrhaging tax base.
Even those who never borrow a book from the library and prefer the country club to a public park benefit from living in an attractive, safe, healthy, educated, and resilient community with robust public services.
Affordability is a huge concern, but Amendment 3 will cost us by redistributing Florida’s property tax burden among urban/rural, homeowner/renter, old/young, and rich/poor in unfair ways. Americans once understood that taxes are the price we pay for civilization.
Florida is our heritage, our obligation, and our legacy. Stop the Florida Chainsaw Massacre. Vote NO on Amendment 3.
Connie Holzinger, Tallahassee
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Letter | Why one voter says Amendment 3 is a bad deal
Reporting by Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
