'Rally in Tally' to push for tax relief
By NICHOLAS AZZARA
MANATEE
- They're calling it the Rally in Tally on Property Tax Relief Day.
Leaders
of the local Coalition Against Runaway Taxation are joining groups around the state in planning a one-day visit to Tallahassee
next week, in hopes of conveying to state officials how badly tax relief is needed.
Coalition
President Don Schroder said taxpayers feel as though the reform they're aiming for - rolling back and limiting government
spending, for example - may be losing momentum as officials narrow in on a solution later in the legislative session.
"We're trying . . . to re-energize legislators' efforts to get short-term relief and long-term reform.
The more people who go, the stronger the effort we'll have," Schroder said. "We're at a critical point in
the legislative process. Because of the quality of Manatee County's representation, (legislators) have the ability to
move people on the fence toward positive tax relief."
State Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton,
last week took part in a teleconference with about 100 coalition members on Holmes Beach. During the discussion, Galvano offered
reassurances that relief is on the way, and that he will make time to listen to groups that come to Tallahassee to talk.
According to the Web site of Floridians for Property Tax Reform, groups around the state are planning to descend
on the capital for a rally at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. The site shows groups departing from Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Lakeland and
Sarasota.
"The idea is to make sure the legislature understands this is a really popular,
key issue for most people," said coalition vice president Ashok Sawe. "The hope is the Senate will come closer to
what we are proposing. This is an opportunity to influence officials in the right direction, based on what we feel most people
need."
The coalition has outlined a list of several possible reforms, among them requiring
zero-based government budgeting, providing tax caps to all taxpayers equally and assessing properties based on their current
use, as opposed to their highest and best use.
Nicholas Azzara, county government reporter, can
be reached at 708-7908.
If you go
The coalition's Rally in Tally will depart from Westfield Southgate Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, at
5:30 a.m. Tuesday and will return late that day. There is no cost. For more information, call (941) 778-0205 or visit online
at www.cartonline.org.
