By: Diane Benjamin

The below is printed in response to State Rep. Brad Halbrook’s reply to Carl Hinshaw of Heyworth. Carl is very knowledgeable about assessed values and is actively challenging the property tax system.

FYI: Your assessed values will again be higher, and so will your property tax bill. This is because taxing unrealized gains is what gives government ever-increasing amounts of money.

I’m printing this because I rarely receive a genuine response from an elected official — I usually get form letters that don’t answer my questions.

I saw comments on social media claiming Springfield has nothing to do with property taxes. That is, of course, incorrect. The letter proves otherwise. I’ve also seen people claim seniors should sell their houses so younger people have inventory. Keep reading, interest rates and property taxes prevent it.

If you can’t tell, Brad is a Republican. Gerrymandering has made sure his party has no voice unless voters are tired of being abused.