[nndl] The Polls are Open - Here are the proposition in simple lingo - please vote

That
leaves another half-dozen amendments on your ballot November 3.  These
measures probably don’t touch the lives of as many Texans as the ones I
outlined above.  But they’re still important changes for the people who
need them, and they can’t happen without .
Proposition 1
would allow the legislature to let cities and counties issue debt in
order to acquire buffer areas, infrastructure right-of-way, and open
space next to military installations.
Proposition 6 would let the Veterans’ Land Board issue more debt than it does now to help Texas veterans acquire land or get a .
Proposition 7 would clarify that members of the Texas State Guard (or similar groups) could hold civil offices such as or . Proposition 8
would clarify that the state can contribute money, property or other
resources for a veteran’s hospital.  Most immediately, this would allow
the state to help build a in the , as required by a law that took effect earlier this year.
Proposition 9
would strengthen the state’s open beaches law by putting it in the
constitution and clarifying that the public has the unrestricted right
to use, and get to and from, public beaches.  It also says beaches
would continue to belong to the public, even if storms or erosion move
the beach under houses or other buildings. And Proposition 10 would lengthen
the term of emergency services district board members from two to four
years. In my view, all of these are good, reasonable amendments.  I
voted for them in the Senate, and I encourage you to learn about them  and vote for them on November 3.

From: Capsaisin < [at] >

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009, 9:24 AM

 

I was also concerned about Proposition 2 and the all-caps, trumpeted message:

"THIS IS A MOVE TO START TAXING TEXAS RESIDENTIAL
HOMEOWNERS!! !"

So I did my own research, read the language of the bill, and followed up with an analysis (personal) and query (direct) to a friend who works in the TX State Capitol.

I don't know what the source of the "Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt" (FUD) about Prop 2 is coming from, but I truly believe there is nothing wrong with requiring TCAD (or other appraisal districts) to value my property as a homestead.  I live with two apartment complexes across the street, one a few plats down, and am concerned that TCAD could (is) valuing my property (land value) on the basis of what it could be sold to a developer for (in order to build more apartment complexes).Some details from a representative that's trustworthy (IMHO)

http://www.house. state.tx. us/news/release. php?id=2910

"Currently, homes are appraised on the basis of their "highest and best
use." Appraisal districts using this standard may appraise a home at a
value based on its commercial potential rather than its actual use as a
home. For example, a home located near a shopping center may be
appraised as a retail shop. Residences near condominium complexes may
be appraised as commercial property"

So I say, vote YES on Proposition 2.  I like my home, and don't need to be priced out via "highest and best use" property tax (any faster than is currently happening).Respectfully,

--Greg

 

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