Debra Medina

[sjfcontrol]

I'd think the goal should be to increase revenue if more money is needed. Then I'd examine whether I could get that additional revenue easier from the turnip or the fat cat, rather than eliminating a portion of the fat cat's payments and distributing more burden upon the turnip.

AH! Now I've got it! It's tax the rich/income redistribution! Why didn't I think of that?
I think the "fat cat" disagrees...

(Fat cats & turnips? sounds more like "Alice in Wonderland" than "Animal Farm")

[RPB]

Obama promised to change stuff, we gave him the opportunity to prove he can change stuff, now we need to figure out how to change it back, if at all possible, and it isn't.

[RPB]

I'd think the goal should be to increase revenue if more money is needed. Then I'd examine whether I could get that additional revenue easier from the turnip or the fat cat, rather than eliminating a portion of the fat cat's payments and distributing more burden upon the turnip.

AH! Now I've got it! It's tax the rich/income redistribution! Why didn't I think of that?
I think the "fat cat" disagrees...

(Fat cats & turnips? sounds more like "Alice in Wonderland" than "Animal Farm")

Actually, the "rich" big companies currently pay their share of property taxes based upon value, just like everyone else, so that's fair. Of course the fat cat/rich property owners disagree with paying their fair share ... that's why they funded the study which benefits them that Medina endorses. She wants to give relief to them and tax everyone else more; inversly proportionate to their respective asset ownership and probable income. If the "fat cats" don't have to pay their fair share, the poorer people will make up the difference... yeah, that sounds fair. So she proposes a 'give tax relief to the rich and redistribute the poorer peoples "wealth" to those who already possess more' system... yeah, that sounds fair.

[idrathernot]

(Fat cats & turnips? sounds more like "Alice in Wonderland" than "Animal Farm")

Yea I was alluding more to the communist overtones found in Animal Farm. I also find it more than ironic that I was forced to read it by an institution funded and controlled by the state.

I won't delve further off-topic. Promise.

[RPB]

(Fat cats & turnips? sounds more like "Alice in Wonderland" than "Animal Farm")

Yea I was alluding more to the communist overtones found in Animal Farm. I also find it more than ironic that I was forced to read it by an institution funded and controlled by the state.

I won't delve further off-topic. Promise.

That really isn't that far off topic either considering Communists always remove local ownership and control and place it in the hands of big government too, as Medina wants to do with our revenue dollars we currently own and control locally.

[idrathernot]

Again...

Medina does not want to starve county governments and municipalities out of revenue to create a monolithic state government. She is advocating a sales tax reform such that "progressive" taxes, which are a direct impediment to economic growth and personal liberty, are minimized. The interview I referenced earlier with Medina and Judge Napolitano expounds upon her position.

Well in fact property tax in Texas is more of a local phenonenom. We see cities, water districts, emergency services, and hospital districts funding their services with a property tax. What we would do is rescind their ability to levy a property tax and suggest that they raise their revenue with a consumption tax."

As we all know, the current sales tax for the state of Texas is 6.25%, however; cities, counties, special purpose districts, and transit authorities may also impose sales and use tax up to 2% for a total maximum combined rate of 8.25%. Therefore, by rescinding local property taxes, the entities listed previously will be allowed to compensate for revenue loss by the levy of a larger portion of sales tax. The rate of which is to be determined locally.

Furthermore, I hardly agree that using the police power of government to take from the "fat cat" is an effective exercise in local control.

[Alex_A]

You have no idea how inaccurate this statement is.

Charles, I think we would all like to hear you elaborate on that.

I never should have posted that comment. I retract it.

Chas.

C'mon Chas. This is a very important issue. If you have information, please share it with us. I certainly don't have the connections you do so I have to put faith in what I am being told by the candidate unless I can be shown otherwise OR they have a proven track record of not doing what they say.

My ill-advised comment was not based upon any hard evidence and I should have kept it to myself. There is no hidden meaning or hint and Medina supporters should not be deterred for fear that she does not support the Second Amendment. I will say this much, Rick Perry has a proven track record of supporting gun owners and this is why a TSRA/NRA grade based upon an elected official's record is more reliable that a candidates questionnaire alone. Talk is cheap, performance counts.

Chas.

Fair enough, I appreciate the clarification (made while I was typing up my previous reply). I can certainly agree with the "Talk is cheap, performance counts" part, but in my view, that is ALL that Perry is... cheap talk =\ He has a good grade with the NRA, which I can appreciate. My qualms are not mainly with is stance on 2nd amendment issues. My problem is with his fiscal irresponsibility. Deficits and public debt are among my primary issues in both national and state politics. Perry has almost tripled the public debt of the state of Texas during his decade tenure and the surplus that his commercials are praising are due only to accepting federal stimulus money, not because of any responsible policies of his own. In my opinion that is a failure and is unacceptable in a Governor. Does it make him the "worst ever"? No, but it certainly does not warrant him yet another 4 years to tack onto his decade of service.

Medina is all talk at this point for the simple reason that she is not a career politician. Since I like her words better than Perry's at this point, and his actions are outright fabrications in terms of fiscal issues, while she's a blank slate. I'm willing to give her a term in office and see what she's able to do.

[RPB]

Again...

Medina does not want to starve county governments and municipalities out of revenue to create a monolithic state government. She is advocating a sales tax reform such that progressive taxes, which are a direct impediment to economic growth and personal liberty, are minimized. The interview I referenced earlier with Medina and Judge Napolitano expounds upon her position.

Well in fact property tax in Texas is more of a local phenonenom. We see cities, water districts, emergency services, and hospital districts funding their services with a property tax. What we would do is rescind their ability to levy a property tax and suggest that they raise their revenue with a consumption tax."

As we all know, the current sales tax for the state of Texas is 6.25%, however; cities, counties, special purpose districts, and transit authorities may also impose sales and use tax up to 2% for a total maximum combined rate of 8.25%. Therefore, by rescinding local property taxes, the entities listed previously will be allowed to compensate for revenue loss by the levy of a larger portion of sales tax. The rate of which is to be determined locally.

Furthermore, I hardly agree that using the police power of government to take from the "fat cat" is an effective exercise in local control.

and again ...

Then she needs a different plan.

The current property tax system, and temporary abatements, are tools which attracts businesses and create jobs.
She may state she wants to eliminate progressive taxes, but increasing regressive taxes isn't the way to accomplish her stated goals. If she doesn't like the current system where everyone is taxed fairly upon a set percentage of their assets, she should come up with her own plan which is fair, instead of relying on one funded by the persons standing to benefit, the big businesses. I have nothing against her or her stated goals, I don't care for her methods devised by those getting benefits to our detriment. If she comes up with her own plan. I'd listen.

[Rex B]

Her primary issue is that taxation of real estate includes the ability of the state to confiscate real estate for non-payment of taxes.
(That is not true in all other states). As long as the state can take your $200,000 home for a tax debt of $10,000, you do not really own that property.
She proposes to make that a total non-issue by funding government differently. Her proposal of a sales tax would fall on all citizens equally, just as government services are supposed to.

[sjfcontrol]

Her proposal of a sales tax would fall on all citizens equally, just as government services are supposed to.

Government services "fall" more on the poor. Then it's left up to the "rich" to pay for them.

[RPB]

Her primary issue is that taxation of real estate includes the ability of the state to confiscate real estate for non-payment of taxes.(That is not true in all other states). As long as the state can take your $200,000 home for a tax debt of $10,000, you do not really own that property.
She proposes to make that a total non-issue by funding government differently. Her proposal of a sales tax would fall on all citizens equally, just as government services are supposed to.

I have an issue with that too, and it is simpler to solve than her proposed give rich benefits while increasing burdens on less fortunate.
One solution would simply be to add a Constitutional Amendment or law that exempts Business or residential homestead property from being confiscated .... much like Credit Card creditors etc can't take your property for non-payment. Sometimes the most obvious simplest solution is the best to take instead of going roundabout to achieve the stated goal.

Lots of ways can be implimented to protect property. And recovering from the poor what they owed, without burdening the rich.
Example: Medicaid may pay a person's Nursing home, Long term at home care, or Hospice care bills, but they can't take your house .... after you pass away though, they get repaid from the estate through MERP (Medicaid Estate Recovery Program) but meanwhile, you aren't homeless due to non-payment.

[Rex B]

I'm good with that.
Point is, no one else is even talking about it being an issue.

[RPB]

I'm good with that.
Point is, no one else is even talking about it being an issue.

I agree, like I said I'm not against a revolution, just wish they'd provide other well thought out options on how to run it, instead of relying on someone elses "plan" that sounds good, but has a lot of hidden agenda implications and consequences.... Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution.....It's too costly to revolt and lose.

[4copas]

I am enjoying reading the comments and opinions from this post and learning a lot from the whole conversation. I wish I had as much information in me to contribute but I’ll get there. The whole CHL forum is a wealth of good info and great opinions. I wish there was a candidate with a sure fire way to stop illegal immigration and also be a leader with the other important issues discussed here. Seems like we could gain a lot of funds from the illegal immigrations impact on education, medical, prison and jail systems, etc.

[StewNTexas]

Boy, it is sure getting rough in a few places around this forum. For my 2 cents worth, I am leaning towards RP, but am spending some time listening to DM. I think KBH has spent too much time in Washington.

Don't be so hard on the Dems. You can always find good if you look far enough. Most of the Dems. remind me of a slinkey. Neither of them are much good for anything, but it brings a smile to your face at the thought of throwing them down a flight of stairs.