Mayor Peyton, Cancel the Courthouse and I'll Vote Against the Property Tax Amendment

Here is the email letter I sent to Mayor John Peyton this afternoon. At this time, I say Florida voters should vote "yes" on Amendment One on January 29th.

Dear Mayor Peyton,

You have argued that Duval County voters should defeat Amendment One that would provide property tax relief to Florida taxpayers. It would increase the homestead exemption for homeowners with additional benefits to senior citizens. It would reduce corporate taxes for Florida's businesses. However, it is your position that Duval County cannot afford the cuts in services that would result if this amendment is passed.

So far, I am not buying your argument. First, experience shows that tax cuts increase revenues. I cannot think of one instance where that was not true, although I am open to evidence to the contrary.

However, there is a more important reason why I plan to vote in favor of the Property Tax amendment. I will never believe Duval County cannot afford these tax cuts as long as you support the expenditure of nearly a half a billion dollars for a new county courthouse. Cancel that project as unaffordable, and I will be much more willing to listen to your protestations that Duval County cannot afford property tax relief to its homeowners and businesses. Otherwise, I will vote "Yes" on Amendment One.

Respectfully,