A few years back, one of my favorite teachers at Clarkston High School (Larry Mahrle) verified something for me — I don’t communicate clearly. As I sat to write this column, I remember that hot day in August when the phone in my office rang to life. What followed was an ultra-top secret conversation I only recently declassified. It went something like this:
‘Don, Don . . . is that you??
‘Yes,? I said warily to the almost inaudible voice on the other end. ‘Who is this and why are you whispering??
‘You probably don’t remember me, but it’s Larry Mahrle — Mrs. Mahrle’s husband from Clarkston High. It’s not safe to talk too loud around here,? he said, still whispering. Then I heard him say more to himself than me. ‘I hope this is a secure line.?
‘Larry, where are you? Is everything all right??
‘The halls have ears and besides, it doesn’t matter where I am, as long as I am here. I just need to know, your columns, the ones your write — they’re written tongue in cheek. You try to get a reaction, don’t you? Folks need to read between the lines, don’t they??
‘Sure, Larry, sure.?
‘Thank god,? he said with a sigh. ‘And, you didn’t hear it from me, but watch your back.? He hung up and out of my life. I hope he’s doing well.
I didn’t think about that odd conversation again until I received e-mails after a column on school taxes. When it comes to the topic of school taxes, folks get fired up. I thought it would be educational to put them together. I have left out names.
From a local business man ?
As a business owner, I get the feeling that we (all business owners) are looked at as sort of a well to dip into when the homeowners won’t stand for another bite by the ‘tax and spenders.? I often wonder what happened to the idea that our founding fathers had about ‘taxation without representation.? I own the property, but have absolutely no vote even as a tax payer while a transient renter can vote me a tax increase and all I can do is moan ?
From a local township assessor ?
The Headlee Amendment requires taxing authorities, think school districts in this case, to roll-down the millage to provide the same income to that taxing authority they had in the previous year, plus the rate of inflation, plus the taxing benefit of any new value created, i.e. new construction ?
What this boils down to is ‘taxation without representation.? Our country was, in part, founded on the principal that those who pay taxes have a voice in the process that allows taxes to be levied and collected, i.e. colonists wanted a voice in Parliament, but in the current twist non-homestead property owners pay a tax voted by those who do not pay the tax. Consequently, we have a system that philosophically violates one of the most profound tenets of our representative form of government.
From a local mom ?
You sort of missed it with your lengthy diatribe. Could those ‘non-homesteaders? also be call ‘absentee landlords?? Might they be people who really don’t have a vested interest in our community? Might they be people who really don’t care if (downtown) has a strong retail Main Street? If they want representation, let them become a part of our community. Let them participate and live here ?
From another local mom ?
? I disagree with your commentary. The schools are a part of the equation to a good community. Good schools bring in good people to buy the homes and create good neighborhoods ? I really think your commentary the day before the millage vote did a disservice to all school districts in this area.
And finally from a local seasoned citizen ?
On paying taxes for non primary households, well, it’s my view that NO one over 65 should pay school taxes. We are on a very strict budget, Social Security only. I often can’t pay for needed medications or even enough food. Yet, I’m forced to pay for ‘darling? children who will never help us when we go down. How many times have my wife and I sat down and cried in desperation? Many times. We are always cold in winter and have even tried dog food once.
We have no one in school and never will. We will soon die without ever being able to have even a small vacation. I am very bitter. No, I don’t care what happens to the school kids. Will the school system help me when we can’t afford heat or drugs? What do you think? No one will help us, so why should we be forced to give our little money to the corrupt schools? There are states where old people do not pay school taxes. I wish we could move there! Sad all the time
From your humble scribe ?
What say you?