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Jan. 29 Vote Would Bring More Tax Relief

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 28, 2007

The Jan. 29 primary affects all Pasco County residents, whether or not you're eligible to vote in the presidential primary.

In order for Pasco residents to receive a tax break next year, I encourage voters to get to the polls and vote "yes" on the state constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption to $50,000.

Gov. Charlie Crist campaigned on this issue, but the voters must approve it by 60 percent, plus one. The savings for an average homeowner will be about $275 a year. It's not perfect, but it is a start.

For those of us who have been in Florida and had to pay the Intangible Tax, we know it wasn't wiped out overnight. Gov. Jeb Bush led the charge, but it took a number of years and he had to work with the Legislature. Eliminating that tax eliminated a form of double taxation.

I am voting "yes" on increasing the homestead exemption because I believe it opens that door for the Florida House and Senate to expand on the tax reduction. Also included in the ballot language is portability, which will allow Florida homeowners to carry their Save Our Homes tax break to another Florida home.

Your legislators want to hear from you. Your ideas on reducing taxes in a fair way can only be considered if you call or write. At the end of this column, I will provide their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.

I have been criticized within my party for openly speaking out to hold the line on taxes when it comes to the county level. It's my position as the Republican county chairman to follow the party line: less government and less taxes.

Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have on their agenda to do away with President Bush's tax cuts, especially when it comes to income tax and capital gains. This doesn't make sense. People have a right to keep more of their own money and not have it wasted.

Last year, I heard the Democrats in Congress complain about gas prices and claim it was the fault of Republicans. It's interesting that gas is now 85 cents a gallon higher, and Democrats control the House and the Senate.

So much for their rhetoric.

If you are Republican and want to get involved, call me at (727) 862-1063. Here are telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of area legislators who represent Pasco:

Sen. Ronda Storms (R-Dist. 10): (813) 651-2189, storms. ronda.web@flsenate.gov.

Sen. Mike Fasano (R-Dist. 11): (727) 848-5885, fasano. mike.web@flsenate.gov.

Sen. Victor Crist (R-Dist 12): (813) 975-6658, crist.victor .web@flsenate.gov.

Rep. Robert C. Schenck (R-Dist. 44): (352) 688-5005, robert.schenk@ myfloridahouse.gov.

Rep. Thomas Anderson (R-Dist. 45): (727) 943-4760, tom.anderson@ myfloridahouse.gov.

Rep. John Legg (R-Dist. 46): (727) 869-8600, john.legg @myfloridahouse.gov.

Rep. Peter Nehr (R-Dist-48): (727) 943-4880, peter.nehr @myfloridahouse.gov.

Rep. Will Weatherford (R-Dist.. 61): (813) 558-5115, will. weatherford@myfloridahouse .gov.

Rep. Richard Glorioso (R-Dist. 62): (813) 757-9110, rich.glorioso@myfloridahouse .gov.

The writer, a Beacon Woods resident, is chairman of the Pasco County Republican Party.

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