Let's Fix Our Broken Property Tax System by Comptroller Candidate Mike Collier

[TexasTowelie]

No one really likes taxes, but that's what it takes to invest in our future here in Texas. Our Texas government functions, for better or for worse, with this marriage of property and taxes. Our property tax system generates over $40 billion per year for schools, roads, police, and fire protection -- all things Texans rely on in some form or fashion.

So the reality is we need tax systems, even complex ones like the property tax system. And since it's a complex tax system, we owe it to ourselves to make sure it is at the very least working properly and producing a fair outcome.

For many years, our elected leaders in Austin have ignored the pleas of ordinary homeowners and small business to fix our broken property tax system and restore confidence that it is fair for everyone, including them. That's why it's time Texans hire a Watchdog to serve as Comptroller. Texans need to know they have someone in Austin fighting for their rights as taxpayers for a property tax system that works properly and is fair for everyone, including homeowners and small businesses.

I recently announced seven policy initiatives which I will pursue if I am honored to serve as Comptroller, and first of these is property tax reform. The Republicans have said they want to get rid of the property tax, but that's a terrible idea. It would cause our sales taxes to increase to 20% (at least), and it would take away local control of our school districts, cities, counties and so forth.

Read more: http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/15662/lets-fix-our-broken-property-tax-system

[Gothmog]

1. I have met Mike Collier and he is the real deal

I really like Mike Collier and think that he would be a great comptroller

[freshwest]

2. Sounds good. Any media or organizational endorsements yet?

[TexasTowelie]

3. I didn't find any media or organization endorsements.

What I did see is that he graduated from Georgetown High School (Go Eagles!) where I went to college and that he played trumpet in the UT-Austin band. He also has a finance background which his opponent Glenn Hagar doesn't have. Hegar is also the state senator who authored the anti-choice bill that Wendy Davis filibustered against last year.