Property assessments make taxpayers wonder

The recent unrealistic increase in property evaluations is not a result of local or regional economic development, wage structure or other local area economic influences. It is a symptom of over development by those from places like Florida and Reno, etc. who have come here to build luxury housing, upscale condos and exclusive gated communities with the intent of luring well off people from afar, charge them exorbitant prices and skip off merrily leaving an artificial hyper-inflated evaluation bubble to the detriment of the local people with their average homes, which should be unaffected by this activity.

The county and state government do not seem to realize that most of us can't pull money out of thin air.

I suggest that if you can't get satisfaction by contesting your evaluation or the special legislative session does not product results, then maybe the same gentleman who did mailings against the recreation district along with other parties and organizations should encourage a tax strike. Even a substantial minority refusing to pay their taxes would have a huge impact on the bloated county government. Your property can't be seized for three years. The government would be forced to negotiate with taxpayer's groups and as part of any agreement, there would be no penalties or interest.

I merely throw this idea out there for consideration. Besides, have you ever wondered where all the money you pay goes anyway? Did all the money you paid last year improve your roads or streets? Build you new sidewalks? Makes one wonder, doesn't it?

LAWRENCE FURY

Sandpoint