After reviewing the specific pages "Taxes Up?" and "How do property taxes work?" I was quite pleased and surprised by the clear, broad explanation of how Mpls' tax burden has changed over the last say..ten years.
However, given the explanation, I was more surprised to see her endorsed by the DFL. The "set up" clearly creates a Mpls-home-owner beware environment. Accordingly, I then moved to read why she is running; because she thinks she deserves the post. She has worked hard enough, attained the requisite higher-education degrees associated with such advancement and it's now "her turn." Aside from describing, once again quite well, the taxation environment, we need an opinion of that development. My take away from the website is that Ms. Becker indeed loves Mpls just as much as us over-taxed residents but will only later clearly describe why we needed to be taxed even more. I hope I am wrong. As to Mr. Cullen's retort, I sense I would probably end up being on his side of the debate after all is said and done. Nonetheless, my own analysis of the tax burden would lead me to believe the range within the rental-market tax base itself is quite wide with the largest relief having gone to the largest developers. Hence, those dollar-weighted averages in published reports do not equally display the smaller landlord rental environment which is likely not as favorable. Moreover, while I favor the entrepreneurial spirit that likely accompanies becoming a landlord, today I do not believe renting is the most affordable housing one can find. This statement MUST include the caveats that 1) mortgage rates are at historical lows and 2) financial institutions WANT you to own a home 3) income and/or credit history are NOT the hurdle they once were. For these reasons, renting is NOT financially smart given the environment TODAY. Many know that these conditions may likely change. After all, why do I see so many "for rent" signs relative to a few years ago? It is because, at the margin, those who pursue home ownership are equally successful in attaining it; thus forcing those pursuing the "no money down," "positive cash flow" rental business to work just a little harder to fill the space with tenants. Jason S. Harrison REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
