Proposition 19

I live on one of four corners of similar size houses where property tax annual rates vary between $2,000 and $40,000. No other state functions with this kind of disparity. Somehow, people believe they should get a tax discount because of the length of time they have lived in their home even though everyone receives the same public services. I am aware of someone who passed his mother’s home to his child so you now have a 30-year-old living in a $3 million home and paying less than $2,000 in property taxes.

As much as we all hate to pay property taxes, they are essential in order for our city to provide police, fire and other public services. Proposition 13 is a sacred cow that no politician will touch but we need a more equitable solution.

A quick note to San Carlos resident David Crabbe who sees biotech as a cause of high home prices. When San Carlos was building millions of square feet of biotech a San Carlos councilmember was asked where those employees would live. The response was “our research shows that the surrounding communities can absorb those people.”

David, look closer to home for answers. 

Steven Howard

Redwood City