I have not decided on how to vote on Proposition 4. Both sides make arguments worth considering – with one exception.
The Prop 4 proponents assert that the disclosure ordinance is part of a master plan to impose a “transfer tax.” But they provide no evidence to support their claim. Where is their evidence that any Assembly member, anyone in the assessor’s office, or, for that matter, anyone in city government has the secret motive of taxing real property transactions? Unless the proponents come forward with evidence, this claim cannot be taken seriously.
Moreover, if the Assembly wished to impose a tax on real property sales, it could do so without a disclosure law on the books. The disclosure law is not a step to a tax, and Prop 4, if passed, would not limit the possibility of a tax on real property sales.
So, vote yes or no on Prop 4, but please base your vote on legitimate arguments.
Tony Sholty,
Juneau