Published: January 31, 2008 10:03 pm      

Reactions to Daniels’ plan vary

Many Howard County residents believe Gov. Mitch Daniels is sincere in his efforts to lower property taxes.

Daniels addressed a crowd gathered at Oakbrook Community Church during an event hosted by Citizens United For Tax Relief.

Several times Daniels was interrupted by applause or laughter as he answered questions submitted by audience members.

Immediate, fair and permanent property tax relief continued to be the main points of Daniels’ plan to reduce property taxes through reducing government spending and a 1 cent sales tax increase.

Reducing local government spending was the theme of Daniels’ remarks. He said state spending was reduced during the past three years.

“I think his remarks were right on,” Tom Beale said. “We have to do something to control property taxes, otherwise building in the state will come to a halt.”

Beale said he hopes the Legislature works with Daniels to reach a permanent solution to the problem.

“The key to any government is to reduce the spending to the level of income,” he said.

Robert Roach wasn’t enthusiast about the presentation, saying he could have learned more by staying home and watching TV.

Roach, who described himself as a Republican, said any reform made will be a waste of time if lawmakers don’t do a better job on property tax relief than they did on daylight saving-time and time zones.

The leasing of the Indiana Toll Road for 75 years also was a concern, he said.

“They’re not going to eliminate taxes all together because you can’t keep up the roads, the schools, can’t keep the police and firemen,” Roach said. “It’s a lot of wishful thinking for a lot of people. I didn’t hear anything tonight that I haven’t already read in the Tribune.”

Marty Whitesell was among the many interviewed by the Tribune that said a reduction in local government spending was key to reform.

“It was generalized, not coming across with any definite statement as to what to do about property taxes,” Whitesell said of Daniels’ comments. “He didn’t say anything different than he has already proposed. I thought he would be more specific.”

He said he doesn’t agree with the proposed method of cutting property taxes and reducing spending.

“Amending the constitution is not necessary,” he said.

He said he is also opposed to the Kernan-Shepard Commission report’s recommendation on government reform.

“I’m not for uni-gov,” he said. “I don’t want to see county elected offices eliminated. They have to be accountable to the people, only way is to vote them in or vote them out.”

Kokomo resident Mark Malone agreed local government spending has to be reduced.

“There was nothing really new, but we were able to hear it in his own voice,” Malone said. “He seems sincere to me.”

Ken de la Bastide can be reached at (765) 454 -8580 or via e-mail at ken.delabastide@kokomotribune.com