Gatschenberger: Ballot Questions Review

Watch your mailbox for my 2010 District Directory and Survey!

Why is this Survey so Important to YOU?

As your elected Representative… I am your servant.  As your servant… I need you to tell me what to do!!  I need your input to do the best job I can do.  If I don't know what you think… I don't know how to vote to best represent your interests.  Please consider taking a few moments of your time at http://www.turnkey-software.com/s/citizen to take my survey and help me… to help you.  Or if you prefer… mail back the paper copy of the survey located in the center of my District Directory that will be delivered to your mailbox.  I really appreciate your input!

Five Missouri Ballot Questions for the November 2, 2010 Election - Fair Ballot Language

Some of the most important items on ballots can often be propositions and amendments. Yet, often the wording on them is purposely misleading to try and pass things that the American people wouldn't support.  Below is the "Fair Ballot Language" that you will see on your ballot.  Please familiarize yourself with it, so that you will not be confused on Election Day, November 2^nd.

Constitutional Amendment 1

Official Ballot Title:
Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to require the office of county assessor to be an elected position in all counties with a charter form of government, except counties with a population between 600,001-699,999?

Fair Ballot Language:
A "yes" vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to require that assessors in charter counties be elected officers.  This proposal will affect St. Louis County and any county that adopts a charter form of government.  The exception is for a county that has between 600,001-699,999 residents, which currently is only Jackson County.

A "no" vote will not change the current requirement for charter counties.

If passed, this measure will not have an impact on taxes.

I will Vote "YES", on Constitutional Amendment 1 to hold county assessors accountable!

Constitutional Amendment 2

Official Ballot Title:
Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to require that all real property used as a homestead by Missouri citizens who are former prisoners of war and have a total service-connected disability be exempt from property taxes?
 
The number of qualified former prisoners of war and the amount of each exemption are unknown, however, because the number who meet the qualifications is expected to be small, the cost to local governmental entities should be minimal.  Revenue to the state blind pension fund may be reduced by $1,200.

Fair Ballot Language:
A "yes" vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to exempt from property taxes all real property used as a homestead by any Missouri citizen who is a former prisoner of war with a total service-connected disability.

A "no" vote will not add this exemption to the Missouri Constitution.

If passed, this measure will decrease property taxes for qualified citizens.

I will Vote "YES" on Constitutional Amendment 2 to support disabled former POWs!

Constitutional Amendment 3

Official Ballot Title:
Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to prevent the state, counties, and other political subdivisions from imposing any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate?

It is estimated this proposal will have no costs or savings to state or local governmental entities.

Fair Ballot Language:
A "yes" vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to prevent the state, counties, and other political subdivisions from imposing any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate.

A "no" vote will not change the Missouri Constitution to prevent the state, counties, and other political subdivisions from imposing a new tax on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

I will Vote "YES" on Constitutional Amendment 3 to prohibit sales taxes on your home!

Proposition A

Official Ballot Title:
Shall Missouri law be amended to:

• repeal the authority of certain cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets;
• require voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every 5 years thereafter;
• require any current earnings tax that is not approved by the voters to be phased out over a period of 10 years; and
• prohibit any city from adding a new earnings tax to fund their budget?

The proposal could eliminate certain city earnings taxes. For 2010, Kansas City and the City of St. Louis budgeted earnings tax revenue of $199.2 million and $141.2 million, respectively. Reduced earnings tax deductions could increase state revenues by $4.8 million. The total cost or savings to state and local governmental entities is unknown.

Fair Ballot Language:
A "yes" vote will amend Missouri law to repeal the authority of certain cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets.  The amendment further requires voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax, St. Louis and Kansas City, to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every five years or to phase out the tax over a period of ten years.

A "no" vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding earnings taxes.

If passed, this measure will impact taxes by removing the ability of cities to fund their budgets through earnings taxes.  The only exception is that voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax may vote to continue such taxes.

I will Vote "YES" on Proposition A… this is a local control issue!

Proposition B

Official Ballot Title:
Shall Missouri law be amended to:

• require large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles;
• prohibit any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets; and
• create a misdemeanor crime of "puppy mill cruelty" for any violations?

It is estimated state governmental entities will incur costs of $654,768 (on-going costs of $521,356 and one-time costs of $133,412). Some local governmental entities may experience costs related to enforcement activities and savings related to reduced animal care activities.

Fair Ballot Language:
A "yes" vote will amend Missouri law to require large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles.  The amendment further prohibits any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets.  The amendment also creates a misdemeanor crime of "puppy mill cruelty" for any violations.

A "no" vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding dog breeders.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

I will Vote "NO", on Proposition B… I feel we have enough laws specific to this issue already in place.

On the Federal Level … Restoring Freedom

I am in the process of researching Article V of the U.S. Constitution to restore our State's Rights… and would love to have your thoughts.  Watch the informational video at www.restoringfreedom.org

Fun Facts

“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” –George Washington

“If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” –George Washington