Assessors: Daniels' plan is wrong approach

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BY PHIL WIELAND
pwieland@nwitimes.com
219.548.4352 | Thursday, October 25, 2007 | (123 comment(s))

If Gov. Mitch Daniels' goal was to eliminate politics from the assessor's job and save money, eliminating elected assessors is not the way to do it, Porter County assessors said.

Local school officials also have reservations about the governor's plan.

As part of Daniels' property tax reform proposal announced Tuesday, all the elected township and county assessors' jobs would be replaced by one person in each county who would be appointed by the county councils. That appointed assessor would have to meet the training standards of the state to be appointed.

The plan also includes a 1-cent sales tax increase to fund property tax relief and a circuit breaker that would limit the property taxes for owner-occupied homes to 1 percent of the home's assessed value.

"Apparently he's not informed," Pleasant Township Trustee-Assessor Jean Oehlman said. "We already are certified (to state standards). What does he mean? Professional appraisers? Whenever you mention the word appointed, I hear payback. We're only doing what the (Department of Local Government Finance) and the state tells us to do. We try to implement what they tell us, and we're being taken out."

All said they are operating their offices with the same budget they had in 1999, so they didn't see how Daniels' plan would save money. Boone Township Assessor Delphine Eck said, with one appointed assessor, most of the work will have to be hired out, which will be costly, and the local touch will be lost.

Center Township Susan Larson said, "The governor's plan is for the rich. The more a house is worth, the more they will save on property taxes. The middle class will suffer with the sales tax. I think it hurts the poor as well. If people do the math, it's not the people who need it that benefit."

Valparaiso Community Schools Superintendent Michael Benway said he understands popular concern with property taxes and would endorse fairer formulas for taxation.

But linking education funding partially or wholly to a sales tax was a concern, Benway said. Sales taxes are unstable revenue sources because they are dependent on the health of the economy, he said. Property taxes, by contrast, are stable year to year.

Union Township School Corp. Superintendent John Hunter said the governor's proposals leave a lot of unanswered questions. Hunter also took exception with the governor, saying he did not feel that schools have spent excessively.

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Porter County Tax Payor wrote on Nov 15, 2008 7:59 AM:

" The partisan rhetoric is typical. A snooty kool-aid drinker in Lake County thinks that property taxes are unfair and wants the whole system upended. Now it is a total mess.....and the Democrats (instead of figuring out how to fix the problems) spend more time and money on consultants and finger pointing than getting the job done. Thus, more communities have to take out loans to pay school budgets, etc. Let's just go back to the old system. "

It's such a joke... wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:11 PM:

" I appealed last year, went and argued that my house is WAY overvalued, I can't sell it for what they say its worth. After many months they fixed all the errors. Then I get my new value and again its all messed up. Same mistakes as before, same jerks taking my calls again, and now we start all over. It's even funny, six phone calls later, six different answers, and yet no one knows what to do. Then I check the assessor's home value (its public knowledge) and low and behold, their homes have the lowest values of all the homes around them. How can that be. Politics at its best! "

Howard Huge wrote on Nov 3, 2007 11:02 AM:

" Shoot straight and keep your powder dry. "

Observation wrote on Nov 2, 2007 8:23 AM:

" If Governor Daniel's could eliminate the township form of government and require streamlining of the county form of government, he could implement his plan and probably reduce the sales tax....from the waste I have witness, anyway. "

john wrote on Nov 2, 2007 7:11 AM:

" Check the tax records of the properties around you. The mistakes and descrepencies you will find will astound you. "

Liars wrote on Nov 1, 2007 10:57 PM:

" My assessmnet went up over 1000% and I'm given every excuse in the book. "It's this,...it's taht..." When they don't have an answer they will not hesitate to lie to you or blame someone else. "

Stuck in hell!!! wrote on Nov 1, 2007 10:55 PM:

" Apparently I have to appeal my assessment every year. Did it last year and a huge mistake was corrected. In the same insane process again to fix the same mistake. Thanks to the Calumet Township Assessors Office and their incompetence!! "

t wrote on Nov 1, 2007 10:49 PM:

" Still don't have sidewalks.....by my assessment says I do. 15 years and counting. Aw shucks maybe they'll get it right next year. Way to go Calumet Township assessors Office! "

Keep the comments flowing wrote on Nov 1, 2007 4:33 PM:

" I agree with all of you that Township government should be abolished. How do we do that, we do it by voting for people who believe like we do and by keeping this article active. To whom is the Assessor accountable? Why is the staff so poorly trained. If this were a private corporation they would have been out of business, long ago. It's time for the government officials and employees to start being accountable to us their Employer, the tax payer!!! and more importantly the homeowners!!! "

Raymond wrote on Nov 1, 2007 2:25 PM:

" I think it would be more effective to burn our money in the fireplace for heat rather than continue down this current path. This system is flawed and corrupt. "

Action is needed now!!! wrote on Nov 1, 2007 2:21 PM:

" Lake County is the corruption capital of Indiana. And the Calumet Township Assessor's Office appears to be the corruption capital of Lake County. Look at their history. No wonder Griffith wants out of Calumet Township. "

Listen to this wrote on Nov 1, 2007 2:18 PM:

" I actually went through the appeals process and was victorious...or so I thought. My new assessment erased my appeal. This is unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!! "

Observation wrote on Nov 1, 2007 2:15 PM:

" Funny.........don't see any support of the current system here. "

Abolish wrote on Nov 1, 2007 2:13 PM:

" Abolish the Township from of government now!!!!!!!!!!!! It's wasteful. "

Michael wrote on Nov 1, 2007 2:09 PM:

" This property tax system is ridiculous, only to be topped the insanity involved in the appeal process. There seems to be a huge difference between the process as spelled out in the law and the actual process. A process which includes having to school the government employees who do not know what they are doing. "

Ed wrote on Nov 1, 2007 2:00 PM:

" I had the displeasure of having to appeal my taxes, years ago, with the Calumet Township Assessor's Office. They couldn't have been any less educated about the process. Maybe they put these fools in these positions so the taxpayers will give up rather than endure their nonsense. "

Mike in Hammond wrote on Nov 1, 2007 1:00 PM:

" What does the cost of local and state government have to do with the value of property? It's taxation for the sake of taxation, to keep people conditioned to the idea that the government has a right to more and more of what you earn and own. Now the governor wants to raise the sales tax so it costs 7 cents to spend a dollar, substituting one tax for another. And we're supposed to view this as a relief. "

To:t wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:21 AM:

" If they cannot accomplished the simplist of tasks..i.e. determining whether or not there are sidewalks in front of your house, then I think there is a huge problem. It's time for a house cleaning...from top to bottom. Are they stupid or maybe they just don't care. Probably a little of both. I would like to say the employees at your local assessor's office need better training, however it seems pretty easy to determine whether or not there is a sidewalk in front of a house. "

Hammond Taxpayer wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:16 AM:

" The worst government service anywhere can be found at your local assessor's office. Where these people think they have the right to treat taxpayers the way that they do is beyond all common sense. Hopefully this will soon all be over. "

Abe Lincoln wrote on Nov 1, 2007 5:22 AM:

" How about the "Fair Tax" too? That way we can tax drug dealers, 1099'd employees and their employers. And we can we could also tax people paid in cash and other tax cheats. This is a start is all. "

Collect the facts and win your appeal wrote on Nov 1, 2007 12:12 AM:

" In Highland nearly every business on US 41 dropped in assessed value by at least 15%. Nearly every home in the adjoining subdivisions went up by 25-50%. Vote em all out in November. "

Joe wrote on Oct 31, 2007 9:08 PM:

" Think tank, has it right. Here's hoping it happens sooner rather than later. Look what's going on with the dollar. The international conglomerates probably paid off the government to lower the interest rates. They have their money invested overseas. It's the little guy that is getting screwed. In particular, the elderly and those that want a safe investment. They are the ones paying for the real estate fiasco. America as a whole will be paying for our inane free trade policies that have done nothing but rack up deficits and eliminate jobs. Think tank hit the nail on the head, it's the rich against the poor. "

t wrote on Oct 31, 2007 3:56 PM:

" My tax record shows that there are sidewalks in front of my house. These are not and never have been. Get off you butts and see for yourself!!!! I have never seen such lazy people in all my life. What a waste of money. "

Cheryl wrote on Oct 31, 2007 3:54 PM:

" If nothing else I would Mr Karras is reading these comments nad makes some changes. You cannot allow taxpayers to be treated the way that they are being treated at these local assessor offices. Its just wrong. "

To the folks working in the assessor's offices wrote on Oct 31, 2007 12:06 PM:

" It must suck to be you guys, huh? If were you I would look in the classifieds and see if anyone is hiring, rude, lazy, liars that just come to work for a paycheck and do not care about the quality of their work. "

Another Observation wrote on Oct 30, 2007 6:57 PM:

" Do you know what they call the prisoner given the freedom and access to secure areas of a jail (to clean, etc..), A Trustee. I find it kind of odd that the same terminology is used when referring Township officials..."Township Trustee...." Makes you wonder....almost like we need to be convinced these people are trustworthy. WELL THEY'RE NOT!!!!!!!!! They have been raping our communities for decades. "

To:How these morons operate... wrote on Oct 30, 2007 6:46 PM:

" I was actually told by a supervisor at the Calumet Township Assessors Office that if I appealed my assessment my neighbors taxes could go up. Intimidation at its best. This particular individual should be fired....and I am going to do my best to see that it happens. "

Fed Up!!!!! wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:23 PM:

" Why we, the people, have allowed the township form of government to exist this long is beyond any logical thinking. It is the root of corruption. Look at Gary. Look at Calumet Township. "

Observation wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:19 PM:

" Township form of govermnet= Inefficiency and corruption "

Ridiculous wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:17 PM:

" "Boone Township Assessor Delphine Eck said, with one appointed assessor, most of the work will have to be hired out, which will be costly, and the local touch will be lost". I don't know about the rest of you but I could certainly do without the "local touch." In my experiences "local touch" means mis-information, red tape, ineptness, lack of educated employees, lazy, intimidation, lies, lies, and more lies. "

Benny wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:14 PM:

" Correct me if I am wrong but isn't not the responsibility of these township assessors officesto make sure their records are correct. Why is everything such a project when you try to address a mistake? Why? Why? Why? "

Yolanda wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:08 PM:

" How were your donuts and coffee today? Did the microwave work as expected? How were the Bagels? How about geting off your butts and doing some work. "

Steven wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:04 PM:

" Over two years ago I pointed out to the Township Assessor that I DO NOT HAVE sidewalks or storm sewers as their records indicate. I was told that I was not taxed on that kind of thing anyway. I have come to learn that I was lied to, numerous times!!! If for no other reason than being accurate FIX YOUR MISTAKES YOU LAZY PEOPLE!!! "

Tired Taxpayer wrote on Oct 30, 2007 4:01 PM:

" I had to deal with the Calumet Townships Assessors Office as well. There answer to everything is, "You must appeal." After that you will hear, "The State told us to do it this way or that way." It does not appear as though anyone there is interested in helping the taxpayer, nor does it appear as though anyone is interested in making sure their data is correct!!!!!!!! Do away with the Township assessors and we will find that not only were they not needed but they created more work than they actually accomplished. "

Jim wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:47 PM:

" We need to cut the fat...the fat being lazy, ineffecient, ineffective government employees. (I.E. the township assessor' office). "

Fact wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:38 PM:

" The Township form of government does not work!!!! "

Is there a think tank wrote on Oct 30, 2007 2:25 PM:

" That just may discover what I think is going on. I've mentioned to many people that there WILL be another revolution in this country and everyone agrees. It will not be whites against blacks, immigrants against natives but haves against have nots. Government is out of control. Catering to big buisiness and, just like the legal system. Those who can afford to pay. "

Joker wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:31 PM:

" Just look and see how many cronies are scooping up the foreclosures...this is criminal folks... "

How these morons operate... wrote on Oct 30, 2007 1:47 AM:

" ...I appealed my assesment the first time about six years ago. I have a very modest old home with 2.5 bathrooms and they were trying to say I had 3 full baths. When two very aged men came to check it out they said it goes by the number of fixtures in the bathroom and since I had a full bath with a shower head, in effect it made the half bath a full bath. I appealed their judgment and after a few months finally won. These people are total idiots and deserve to loose their jobs. And just who were these older men that showed up???? Probably some patronage jobs no doubt. Time for an Indiana tea party. "

Assess this. wrote on Oct 29, 2007 9:26 PM:

" Your future without a taxpayer funded job. Lazy, incompetent, patronage peddling do nothings who will soon be looking for a job where they just might be held accountable to a boss. "

Hitch on with Mitch wrote on Oct 29, 2007 7:08 PM:

" Get out of the ditch. "

How about this wrote on Oct 29, 2007 6:17 PM:

" Here is another sad fact, despite what you are being told, I looked up the pay scale for the assessors in this area and my gosh they are being paid way more than they should for the jobs they do. Lets get rid of the assessors and try out the govs plan, what do we really have to lose? "

Ray wrote on Oct 29, 2007 6:09 PM:

" The assessed value of a small empty lot I own went up over 2000%. That is two-thousand percent!!!! I attempted to point out the obvious error and was told I would have to appeal. "My neighbors property didn't go up 2000%", I told the man in the assessor's office as I pointed out the specific problem. "You must appeal", he said. So I appealed. Month number 5 arrives and I'm still waiting.....still waiting....still waiting. "

Fed Up!!!!! wrote on Oct 29, 2007 6:04 PM:

" Small towns are scraping to get by due to the ineptness of government!!! The less government the better. "

Dan wrote on Oct 29, 2007 6:02 PM:

" Lets see.....20% federal income tax, 3.5% state income tax, proposed 1% county income tax, proposed 7% sales tax, $5,000 in property tax, goverment fees up the wazoooo. For what...so I can pay several dollars to use the toll road. Where does it end? Where does all this money go? N.W. Indiana has grown leaps and bounds in the past decade without properly expanding the needed services such as police, fire, EMS services, and decent roads. Who is pilfering are tax dollars? There should be plenty of money to go around!!! I'll tell you who, our government that allows DUPLICATION OF SERVICES such as the TOWNSHIP FORM OF GOVERMENT, the corruption, lazy government employees (Calumet Township Assessor's Office, for example), and uneducated fools that cause more work than they actually do "

Sam wrote on Oct 29, 2007 12:51 PM:

" Great comments. What purpose do these township assessor ofices serve anyway. They certainly don't get off their butts and actually visit any properties. When that needed to be done we had to pay a private company to do their work for them. The employees at the local assessors office will give you every excuse in the book rather than helping the taxpayer. "You must be mistaken, sir, I records must be correct." C'mon who are they kidding!!!!! "

Over-taxed homewoner wrote on Oct 29, 2007 12:51 PM:

" It's time people other than Indiana homeowners took some fiscal responsibility. Just because I own a home doesn't mean I have to bear the brunt of financial burden. Let tourists and everyone else help foot the bill. "

Wrong? wrote on Oct 29, 2007 9:50 AM:

" Anything Daniels does is the wrong approach. "

FedUp Homeowner! wrote on Oct 29, 2007 4:14 AM:

" Remember 1978 in California? Indiana is in the midst of a taxpayer revolt that is long overdue and local government employees are seeing the final days of their gravy train. Ever wonder why so many homes are still on the market after a year? It's the not the asking price. It's the property tax being levied. The cap being drafted in Gov. Mitch Daniels' plan puts the pressure on local and county government to become what should have always been - Fiscally Responsibility. It's time to stop using homeowners and business owners as personal Cash Cows for township accessors and directionless civic management! "

Sam Davidson wrote on Oct 28, 2007 4:00 PM:

" I'm all for the assessors losing their jobs, but I'm not for Mitch's tax show. The question I have is how can we legally stop this governor? Fortunately, it's in the constitution. Someone needs to sue the governor. I would be glad to give a significant amount of money to any legal team willing to take on the governor. Long story short: landlords are not supposed to be treated differently than homeowners. Any takers? "

keep in Mind wrote on Oct 28, 2007 2:35 PM:

" People you are NOT appealing your taxes you are appealing your assessed value. If the value is more than what you can seel the property for then get the info needed for the appeal and march down to the assessors office and appeal. "

Joker wrote on Oct 28, 2007 10:14 AM:

" Anybody who doesn't go for this has GOT TO BE A POLITICIAN or STATE EMPLOYEE or CONTRACTOR who knows for a fact his job is nothing but a farce and is a rip off to the taxpayers...and I'm sure there are a lot of them...take one look at Gary...of course these people are afraid and they're showing it...this is worth a try. "

TO: Governor Daniels wrote on Oct 28, 2007 9:25 AM:

" If you want to strengthen your case against the Township form of government, please investigate the Calumet Township Assessor's Office. The treatment and practices by individuals in that office toward taxpayers is deplorable! "

TO:Nice thought Fred although and others wrote on Oct 28, 2007 9:21 AM:

" While the government (local and State) has some immunity it is not a blanket immunity. When a government employee acts in "good faith" and believes his/her actions are appropriate, he/she will most likely have some immunity. However, when a government employees does NOT act in "good faith", discriminates, and/or intentionally lies to a taxpayer, he/she deprives that taxpayer of due process....resulting in liability to that employee's office and to that employee as an individual. "

Good -Bye Lake County Assessors wrote on Oct 27, 2007 6:01 PM:

" I am NOT a republican but I 100% support any bill that will force our "great" leaders in Lake County to be more mindfull of how they spend our money and eliminate the unnessary staff and spending...for that much eliminating waste in Lake County would likely be sufficient to cover the property tax issues for the entire state.. Gone are the days of blank checks Lake County... "

Joe wrote on Oct 27, 2007 10:51 AM:

" I think the Fed and the Bush administration bear responsibility as well for keeping interest rates too low for too long. This has resulted in property values going way too high because there are too many stupid people over extending themselves on loans. People don't look at how much money they are spending in total on a house. They look at the monthly payment. If you take out a loan at 5% for 30 years, you are going to pay close to twice the cost of the house. Thank the Fed for again lowering the rates and slowing the correction that should be allowed to occur. Look for another rate cut in the future. It won't be for the little guy either. It'll be to bail out the mortgage companies that were issuing loans that they shouldn't have. This is what Republican unregulated capitalism gets you. Anyone considering buying a home now should just hang tight and wait for the bubble to burst further. "

like shooting fish in a barrel wrote on Oct 27, 2007 10:16 AM:

" Forbes magazine ranks Indiana as the second most polluted state in the union. The air quality is shameful. Higher numbers of lung disease and asthma are a burden on our failing health care system. We have among the highest high-school drop out rate in the nation, and our under-educated work force is not an attractor for high-tech industry, so we must attract jobs with lax pollution laws and tax abatements that cost YOU in property taxes. So the governor now has a plan to address out of control property taxes. That's great. It is his job. Its about time he proposed a viable solution. But you all want to VOTE for him based on this one, unproven proposal? You deserve what you get if that's all it takes to win your votes. "

Nice thought Fred although wrote on Oct 26, 2007 3:08 PM:

" there is this little safety net for the politicians and their accomplices, er, I mean, their staff. Its called governmental immunity. Thats why they try to indirectly screw us and make themselves rich, ask Tom McDermott, Jr. "

RM wrote on Oct 26, 2007 1:58 PM:

" Does anybody REALLY know how much these guys make and exactly what they do for it? Good to hear the excess might finally be gone, the FAT LADY AS STARTED TO SING. "

Fred wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:31 PM:

" Maybe if some law suits were filed against these negligent government employees, and they suffered the same distress of loosing their homes that many of us have endured, they might do their jobs!!!! "

To: Joe wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:28 PM:

" Joe, did you ever think the reason the gov has not done anything about the overly high taxes is because he thought it best to study the problem and look for viable solutions in stead of the knee jerk, BS we get at the township levels and county level of government? I like the plan better than I like "think twice before challenging your property's assessed value. Mitch gets my vote, I don't care how much he leased the toll road for. "

Hey Joe, Face the facts wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:23 PM:

" Indiana is now operating under a budget surplus. Your democrats that ran the state into the ground left a giant deficit for this administration. Those are simple facts. Spew all the rhetoric you want but our state is much better off now than we were 3 years ago. also, does the fact that the interest earned from leasing the toll road generated more money that the toll road actually made while it was operated by the state mean anything to you? We are earning interest in an amount that is greater than the prior profits (and deficits) and we got 4 billion to spend on projects in the process. Not much wrong with that sir !!! "

Observation wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:16 PM:

Henry wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:55 AM:

" Anyone go through the tax appeals process? It is time consuming, frustrating, and shameful. They people that are supposed to help you instead fight you every step of the way. They will lie to you, intentionally give you false information, and using intimidation to influence your decisions about your appeal (A perfect example of this is comments made by Porter County Auditor James Kopp... see "Appealing tax bills may be risky" in todays Times). At least this has been my experience with the Calumet Township Assessors Office. "

Stash wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:47 AM:

" I think Joe works for the assessors office. "

Stash wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:42 AM:

" Township Assessors employees....look into the mirror. You have no one to blame for the Governor's plan but yourselves. You reign of tyranny will soon be over, hopefully. "

Joe wrote on Oct 26, 2007 9:13 AM:

" Mitch Daniels has set a trap and most of you are walking right into it. Did you ever wonder why he hasn't tried to do anything until now about the problem? How about the people in Miller that have been getting screwed for several years now paying 10% on property tax. I haven't seen him lift a finger to help them. Now that it's getting close to the election he comes up with a dictorial plan that calls for modifying the state constitution and when it doesn't go through he can blame the Democrats. Use your heads people. It's a political ploy. Don't be fooled into letting him get another term. Are you going sell your soul the same way Mitch has been selling state assets to foreign corporations? "

professional assessors = outsourcing wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:02 AM:

" Not saying its a bad idea, but I suspect "professional" mans privatization. Instead of political hacks you'll get corporate donors in control. "

Sorry Assessors Employees wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:57 AM:

" Looks like not very many people feel sorry that you folks may soon be unemployed. My experience with most people employed by the county and/or township levels of government is that they are rude and act as though they are doing you a favor to help you. You're about to learn bad attitudes get you nowhere in the real world, good luck in your job search. "

To:The Times wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:49 AM:

" Please, Please, send a reporter or two out to the Calumet Township Assesors Office or any other township assessors office. Ask some questions. Observe what "work" is really being done. Ask when the last time anyone actualy left their cushy office to visit a parcel of land. You will notice that of utmost importance is the selection of donuts, quality of the coffee, and effectiveness of the microwave. "

Please wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:39 AM:

" Governor....do away with the township form of government. They have raped the taxpayer for long enough!!!! "

Distressed Taxpayer wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:35 AM:

" Can the Assessor's Office be held legally responsible for expenses incurred by a taxpayer due to there mistakes? I have lost a couple days of work trying to straighten out OBVIOUS errors in my tax record. If not corrected I will either loose my home or be forced to take out a loan. This may force me to hire an attorney. If there is an option to recover damages, both for actual loss and emotion distress due to negligence, I think taxpayer may be treated more fairly. If the employees that mistreat and are negligent in their duties are sued along with the Assessor's Office, maybe change will come. Where is the ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!!!! "

Also a Victim of Poor Treatment. wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:24 AM:

" Does anyone know a person's options as far as filing a complaint against a township assessor's office? I have had similar experiences with the Calumet Township Assessors Office. I have been mis-informed, flat out lied to, and been a victim of intimidation. What recourse do I have? And if there is not a valid complaint procedure, WHY NOT? These people have the power to allow their mistake to cause taxpayers to LOOSE THEIR HOMES and there appears to be no oversight!!!!! "

To: Many Good Points wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:17 AM:

" That is an interesting point. What has Mr. Karras done to inprove things, such as the accuracy of property records, oversight of the township offices, treatment of the taxpayer. My personal experience with the Calumet Township Assessors Office could not have been worse. I have been to the office on 5th avenue as well as the one on Cleveland Street. Either these people are inept or they have orders from the top not to correct misakes. Either way someone (KARRAS) needs to be held responsible. "

Many Excellent Points wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:13 AM:

" I have read mnay VALID complaint about the treatment of taxpayers by township and county level assessor employees. Correct me if I am wrong but should the top person, PAUL KARRAS, be held responsible for the incompetence he has allowed to thrive below him. The Governor's plan would make it easier to make the top guy responsible. I have been out to the assessor's office on numerous occasions and have never seen Mr. Karras. I wonder how mnay hours per week he is actually there. "

To:Highland2 wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:08 AM:

" I agree. I am certainly not opposed to quality schools, but there are more new schools being built with features that a not neccesary or even sanitary. Been to any need schools in the area lately? I see a lot of carpeting.....and extravagant entryways. "

Common Sense wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:04 AM:

" To Highland2, I agree that all taxing bodies need to control spending. However, schools get a bum rap because their two main sources of funding are property taxes and what the state gives them. The fed's share is small, as are the fees that students pay when they register. Look at all the fees and taxes that towns and counties charge. This is why it seems like schools are such big spenders. Many think the school I work for is very well off, but this whole property tax mess and the way the state funds schools has put off a lot of needed infrastructure work. The result, low morale and agitated kids. The Daniels' plan is a good start, but it needs some tweaking to ensure fairness to all. "

Merrillville wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:19 AM:

" All politicians need to make their voices heard on how they feel on this topic. I would like to know before the elections how they stand on this issue, so we can vote every one of them out of office that oppose property tax relief. "

Highland2 wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:06 AM:

" Take a look at your real estate tax bill. You will notice that about half of your taxes goes to the local school corporation. In order to get a handle on real estate taxes- school funding has to be controlled. This is why the first person to cry about lowering taxes are the school staff. We have to properly fund schools....but if you want to lower your tax bill....start here. "

Joe wrote on Oct 25, 2007 11:23 PM:

" To the person who says that the tax crisis is the fault of the Democrats who were in control for 16 years. OK, so, why didn't the problem crop up until now? I guess the Iraq war fiasco is all Bill Clinton's fault too? The same thing happened with the toll road, it was in the black for 20 year, then all the sudden it was in the red shortly after Mitch took over. You can blame Bush for cutting federal funding to the states and the states for cutting funding to the local governments. All so Bush could give the rich a tax cut they didn't need. Face it, we live in a backwards state. The morons in charge can't even decide on what time zone we should be in. Indiana was ranked as #2 in the nation for pollution by Forbes magazine. "

Willie wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:43 PM:

" I went through the appeals process in the past due to an error by the CALUMET TOWNSHIP ASSESSORS OFFICE. Almost a YEAR later and much of my time, the county assessor found in my favor. I received the assessment this year with the same mistake. The CALUMET TOWNSHIP ASSESSORS OFFICE told me I would have to appeal again.....insanity. It has been 4 months and I'm still waiting for the their error to be corrected. A simple phone call to the Auditor's Office would have corrected the problem in minutes but Henry Bennett and Danny Cruz from the Calumet Township Assessors Office apparently have not found the time in the past 4 months to make a 2 minute phone call. What seems to be lost with these people is they are charged with the responsibility of making sure the taxpayer is being treated fairly....and their records are correct. Their actions show that they simply DO NOT CARE!!! I am all for the Governor's Plan. Hopefully these people will be held accountable for their incomptence. "

Here is what "Professional appraisers" means wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:47 PM:

" Someone who is certified in their occupation, has the experience and expertise to get the job done RIGHT and ON TIME. Not some political hack, life time at the public trough wanna be who can't get it done right. Where is the cry baby's alternative proposal. Just standing back and throwing dull darts is typical political tactics. Get rid of em NOW. Daniels has clearly grabbed the momentum on this and Democrats are shootin' blanks and taking cover. "

Common Sense wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:15 PM:

" What Mr. Benway was referring to with regard to "stable" property taxes is that the taxing bodies can ensure that they have "x" amount of dollars each year because the percent can change. He was not trying to say that the amount people pay in property taxes is stable. The plan seems good, but when schools only can levy property taxes or rely on the state for money (and the latter has not always proved a guaranteed source of revenue), I think we need to refine this a bit. For the cities and counties that have other taxing options, I think this plan can work well. I say get rid of the exemptions though, since we are already capping the amount that anyone can pay. "

Blame game wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:09 PM:

" We the voters and the politicians are to blame for this property mess! The Township assessors assessed the properties low in their townships so the voters will reelect them again and again. The county assessor had let this go on for years. I was born and raised in North Township. John Pers was the North Township assessor for over 41 years and he assessed the properties low to stay in office. I can remember hearing people asking him to lower the assessment on their properties so they don't have to pay that much tax. Wake up people!! The politicians owe the taxpayers a living not the taxpayer owe the politicians a living!!! Let these elected officials start earning their keep. Throw the bums out!! The assessments have finally caught up with some of the properties in Lake County, Indiana. "

woody wrote on Oct 25, 2007 5:45 PM:

" Politicians losing their jobs? maybe the Cubs will win the world series too!!!! "

I'm Lovin' This! wrote on Oct 25, 2007 4:44 PM:

" Most of the comments made on this article so far are simply wonderful! I feel like I'm watching the Boston Tea Party. It's great to see what the people have to say to those who always want to tax, tax, tax. What a breath of fresh air! To know that the arrogant politicians are squirming gives me warm feeling inside. We're sick and tired of being taxed to death!!! Get it! Way to go Mitch!!!! "

mts wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:46 PM:

" Property taxes stable year to year? How Benway didn't get struck with lightning after making that statement I don't know. They fluctuate as much as any tax. You get a glut of houses on the market from people selling because they cannot afford the tax, and that drives assessed values down, driving down revenue. And if I sell my house for $10K less than it should have sold for, that's a "tax" the gov't actions cost me. And homes or lots that people walk away from go to the county and produce zero tax revenue. Go Mitch! "

Let Them Assess Unemployment Benefits wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:21 PM:

" They will find they get to collect for 26 weeks then they will actually have to go to work, like the rest of us. Lets see how far they get with their "take a number" attitudes in the real world! "

Left IL for this reason wrote on Oct 25, 2007 2:23 PM:

" I was paying out the nose in IL when I lived there. BRAVO Mitch for finally hitting the target what ALL taxpayers have been wondering when will enough be enough. I think Mitch finally understands that you can only sqeeze the taxpayer so much and then POP! The gravytrain for our little assesors is OVER!!!! WAY TO GO MITCH!!!! "

Cabelas is Hiring wrote on Oct 25, 2007 2:13 PM:

" At least thats the word on the street. Now they can assess camping gear. "

A LOT OF TENSION IN CROWN POINT TODAY wrote on Oct 25, 2007 1:34 PM:

" I would love to be a fly on the wall in many offices of the government center today. I bet many politicians are downing Pepto Bismal like there is no tomorrow and for many, there isn't! "

How Can This Work?! wrote on Oct 25, 2007 12:29 PM:

" It's all fine and dandy that Mitch wants to cut taxes... It looks good for election purposes too. If Indiana can cut these taxes why is he looking to trim funding from public services??? "

To Joe: wrote on Oct 25, 2007 12:27 PM:

" You are 100% wrong. The crisis you speak of was generated years ago by the democratic administrations that ran our state for 16 years. It was allowed to fester locally because nobody ever did anything to stop the crooks in Lake County from stealing our tax dollars "

rs wrote on Oct 25, 2007 12:23 PM:

" I'm all for doing something different. The system needs to be changed. Whether Mitch Daniels proposals are the solution I don't know. Keep trying something until you get it right. Do nothing and it only gets worse. Vote in the same people and you have the same problems. "

Way to go Mitch wrote on Oct 25, 2007 12:18 PM:

" If the local politicians are unhappy with this plan, MITCH'S PROPOSAL MUST BE A WINNER !!! "

Bye-Bye Bloodsuckers wrote on Oct 25, 2007 11:55 AM:

" Bottom line... Any policitian that opposes this plan will out of a job come election day. It's as simple as that. Hopefully it won't take them too long to realize that fact. "

Dave wrote on Oct 25, 2007 11:28 AM:

" I love the comment "the local touch will be gone". I have lived in this area for 56 years and that "local touch" has never touched me. The only "touch" has been on my wallet and that touch has been getting bigger and bigger. Mitch, I commend you for getting something started concerning property taxes. Your plan has merit. "

Sam wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:53 AM:

" The governor should visit some of these Township Assessors' offices while he is here and see what a crack operation they are running. Pasteries anyone? "

To the Governor wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:52 AM:

" If you could rid the local government (Townships) of their lazy, do-nothing, government employees you would not have to raise the sales tax at all!!!! "

Fed Up!!!!! wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:48 AM:

" If you ever want to hear 50 different explanations of why your assessment is not wrong, visit the CALUMET TOWNSHIP ASSESSORS OFFICE and ask. If you come in prepared don't be suprised if they try intimidation tactics to get you to go away. "

Will wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:44 AM:

" Daniels plan is not perfect but it is a start. Now lets take it a step further and hold some of these people in the assessors offices accountable for their incomptence "

Bob wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:34 AM:

" Anyone ever go through the tax appeal process in lake county. I could name names of the incompetent that should be fired. Spend a few minutes reviewing the properties on your own block and you'll found numerous mistakes. Most people don't check and are paying for it. "

Stan wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:30 AM:

" Sounds like the people abusing there power and NOT looking out for the taxpayer are sweating it. They should be....your reign of terror may soon be over. "

s.e wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:19 AM:

" this guys are just worried about their jobs there all crooks we will vote anyone out who opposes daniels plan..... "

Former Regionite wrote on Oct 25, 2007 9:29 AM:

" Daniel's plan doesn't go far enough. If you eliminate property taxes completely, you also can eliminate all county Treasurers and Auditors and all the state employees that support those offices. County finances could be handled by an appointed Chief Financial Officer. "

taxes wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:56 AM:

" Do you understand what he is proposing? Don't asssume because it is a plan it is good or will work. "

Joe wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:55 AM:

" Block him. He probably wants to outsource everything more than he already has. As far as I'm concerned, he is responsible for the current tax fiasco. This is the way the Republican party operates. They generate a crisis and then they tell you have have to make drastic changes to fix it. Look what happened with Bush's re-election. We would be making progress on getting out of Iraq had a Democrat been elected. Instead we will be shedding lives and money for another year and a half. The last thing our state needs to do is re-elect this fool. He should have already been impeached for selling the toll road. "

Highland wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:50 AM:

" I didn't vote for Daniels. What he did with the time zones in this state and selling the toll road, I was against. Getting rid of the local assessor's and all of the family and friends they hire I'm for. "

Wilson wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:41 AM:

" Goes to show that no matter what your propose somebody is going to complain. But when I read "local touch" I had to laugh. I have never felt much of a "local touch" when my property taxes have gone up and up. All I see is politicians getting nervous about their jobs, which is always a good thing. "

Not bad wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:20 AM:

" I awaited the plain with some anxiety. However, after hearing it I say, "not bad." "

I like this plan wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:59 AM:

" Not a surprise that blood sucking politicians hate it, they will actually have to be responsible with tax payer's money for a change. Heck, I may even vote for Mitch if he keeps doing stuff like this. "

Jim from Hessville wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:30 AM:

" I do believe we have far too much local government. I do not like the current property tax structure. I do not like that property tax rates in this region are highest in the areas that can least afford it (regressive taxes). I do not like the job our assessors are doing nor does the state. If they did they would not have brought in outside auditors just a few years ago. Local auditors are now stalling over getting the current tax bills out on time. Lets give this a try, it can't get much worse. "

Tim wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:44 AM:

" I say "Full Speed Ahead" for this plan! Let the assessors belly ache all they want. This sounds like a winning proposal to me. "

Mitch is the MAN wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:37 AM:

" Mitch is the MAN-smaller government and government without an open check book "

Bob wrote on Oct 25, 2007 5:06 AM:

" Mitch is my man again ! I think all the ideas are superb and I was quite shocked as I had been expecting a bandaid again and next year more taxes would be added when that didn't work. Sales tax is an option - if a person can't afford that extra penny on the dollar of a purchase, they can wait and save. The wealthy pay much more in sales tax and we all also gain from all the out of state people passing thru making purchases. "

Mitch? wrote on Oct 25, 2007 4:48 AM:

" After all this guy has done to sell out this state i wouldnt trust anyhing this idiot is trying to do...Remember he did sell our toll road!!!!!!!!!!!! "

mike wrote on Oct 25, 2007 4:08 AM:

" Great idea Mitch! Why don't we eliminate your job while we're at it! I am a Republican precinct committeeman in a strong Republican county....I'm not sure you can win your primary race here. "

Fed up Voter! wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:02 AM:

" To all the assessors and politicians that will lose their jobs due to our Governor's plan, I say good riddance!! Now you have to find a real job like the rest of us! Thank you Gov. Daniels, you have my vote for a second term! "

I think somebody's afraid wrote on Oct 25, 2007 2:48 AM:

" I think somebody's afraid they're gonna lose their cushy jobs. If they are/we doing good work, then the newly appointed assessor will undoubtedly keep those losing their elected office on to do the day-to-day work that's not going away. "

Ed wrote on Oct 25, 2007 2:30 AM:

" "Property taxes, by contrast, are stable year to year." Wonder what this guy is smoking in saying this? There has not been any stable property taxes in the last 5 years that I know of where I live. "

j a gajewski wrote on Oct 25, 2007 2:07 AM:

" I voted for MItch Daniels because I thought he would be progressive and a problem solver, it's nice to see one's vote count for something for once. "

j a gajewski wrote on Oct 25, 2007 2:00 AM:

" Politicians losing their jobs? Good heavens they'll have to find work! "

Teddy Bear wrote on Oct 25, 2007 1:04 AM:

" This is Mitch's way of getting his hands on school funding. Soon, we'll have Neil Bush and the GOP privatizers in town telling us we need "charter schools." Thanks but no thanks, Mitch. "

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