Ulmer: Notes on the November election, local measures
It's now late October and the Nov. 5, 2024 presidential election is closing in on us, so it's time for you to figure out how you're gonna vote and what you're gonna vote for and against.
Both my loyal readers have been given hints as to my position on the issues, so I'm not speaking to either of them rather this note is to anyone else ... like you for instance.
Since you seem to still be reading this I'll continue. This really is a critical election so I sincerely hope you participate by voting. The sad part of our democracy is that way too many eligible voters don't vote, thus leave the consequences of their actions determined by the minority who do vote. If you're interested in your future I hope you vote.
OK, onto those issues I mentioned. First, if you haven't researched Project 2025 shame on you, that would make you an uniformed voter. Despite all the denial and lies, Trump's staff put together the plan at his direction and from what I can tell we should all be quite fearful of its implications for our future.
Secondly, on the local level we get to vote on five measures, and here are my notes on them.
Measure 1 - changes titles, no big deal. Vote yes.
Measure 2 - makes it almost impossible for you and I to initiate or refer laws; the Legislature doesn't like to be overruled by we the people. Vote no.
Measure 3 - does something to expenditures of the Legacy Fund, and frankly I have no idea what it really does so I'm voting no, but I could be convinced to vote otherwise.
Measure 4 - s the controversial one that does away with property taxes. I don't want to give any more power to the state because I think local control is better. But, like you, I also think property taxes are the most unfair tax we pay, and I blame the Legislature for making it that way because they were the ones who tied the tax to high percentage of a foggy actual market value that has consternated property owners. For instance, I built my house for $100,000 and I'm presently being taxed for over $360,000. I'd be happy to sell it to you for that price but it's not for sale. Thus, I don't think it's fair to tax me on that value; rather if the next guy buys it for that price he should bear the burden, but my argument has fallen on deaf ears. The problem is there is no plan to replace the $3 billion hole this proposal creates, and as such most communities will have to find other taxes, assessments or fees to fill in the gaps that the Legislature won't fill. I encourage a no vote because I much prefer the local control over theLegislature's whims.
Measure 5 - legalizes pot, and I think it's about time we do so. I'm voting yes and thinking that those against doing so are still stuck to those old hallucinations from reefer madness days. The problem is that we keep forgetting that booze is far more dangerous than pot. Reality seems to indicate that we are presently surrounded by states that have legalized its use, making enforcing the present law rather difficult because all you have to do is head to Glendive, Moorhead or Alberta to pick some up. Suffice it to say it's time, so vote yes and after the novelty wears off, life as we know it will continue.
So after exposing myself to those who may disagree, I certainly hope we can do it without being disagreeable.
Dan Ulmer is a parent, grandparent, a retired teacher, counselor, politician, lobbyist, public employee, nonprofit executive and citizen who believes we need to do what we can to leave the world better than we found it.
