Expectations, Meet Reality

Broward residents are not happy, and it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.

First, everyone’s received their TRIM notices with the expected property tax bill amounts. Did you receive the giant tax cut you were expecting? If you did, you are one of the few.

Second, we’re another day closer to January’s election on the property tax reform proposal, and the prognosis is not good. Whether that’s because the proposal is complicated, or hasn’t been sufficiently explained to voters, or is just a bad piece of legislation is unclear. Again, the outcome doesn’t meet the expectations.

Legislators in Tallahassee don’t seem to understand the depth of apprehension residents have toward “the process” that is supposed to fix this crisis. And who can blame them? So far, all we’ve heard is an updated version of the classic punch line, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

Throw in the uncertainty surrounding PIP for auto insurance, and Florida once again looks like the gang that can’t shoot straight.

Here’s one truth: In the past year we’ve heard lawmakers issuing “best case” scenarios for their property tax reform plans, and homeowners hearing “best case” scenarios for their own personal situations. But the two cannot be reconciled.

That’s where I come in. I’m an accountant and investment planner by profession. It’s my job to tell you straight out what’s happening with your money and your financial situation. As a candidate for the State Legislature from District 92, I’ll do the same. And if I’m elected to this post, I’ll still do the same from Tallahassee.

One thing that seems certain is that this time next year we’ll still be discussing this issue. If voters reject the “super homestead” reduction on January’s ballot, legislators will have to go back to the drawing board in the spring session to find another solution. And another budget cycle will have passed for our municipalities, who have already taken deep cuts to provide you with your (admittedly paltry) property tax cut this year.

More library closings, staff reductions, and police overtime cuts are on the horizon for 2008.

Broward is undergoing profound changes right now. I grew up here and have lived here all my life. I’ve seen us go from a coastline of small beach communities to a booming metropolis. (Remember what a big deal it was when we received our own area code?)

The beautiful paradise we used to know is now wrought with the same challenges other large metropolitan areas face. Underpinning everything is the ability to afford your own home and to achieve a standard of living that allows you and your family to be comfortable. This concept is known around the world as the American Dream, and it is one of the reasons Broward has changed so much over the past few decades -- people are flocking here to experience our piece of paradise.

All that is in danger now due to the property tax crisis. For the first time ever, Broward has experienced a population decrease, as frustrated residents just gave up and decided to make their lives elsewhere. Many parents are finding that their kids who go away to school aren’t returning to live here after graduation because they can’t afford housing. Other parts of Florida are seeing the same flight.

So how do we fix this? First, let’s recognize that Florida’s CFO, Alex Sink, is an accomplished financial manager who has her eyes on what’s happening in Broward and around the state.

Second, let’s send her some backup in Tallahassee. I will be the only accountant in the state legislature if you elect me. I will take my strong credentials, work experience, and history of working with the community to devise and implement the financial control system and oversight processes we need to straighten out Florida’s financial mess.

I’ve said it before, but it really is true – it’s your money! Shouldn’t your elected representatives provide the framework for your community to achieve economic success?

If one city in Broward goes bust because of the property tax crisis, the entire region is adversely impacted. And in a national economy with a predicted recession looming, all of Florida suffers.

And that’s just not an expectation. That will be a reality.