Crist raps property-tax jumps, vows to help irate homeowners
By Brian E. Crowley
Palm Beach Post Political Editor
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
PALM BEACH GARDENS — Gov. Charlie Crist told a crowd of more than 300 angry homeowners Tuesday that he will not back down until Florida lawmakers reduce property taxes dramatically.
And Crist showed little sympathy for city and county government officials who worry that lowering property taxes will mean a reduction in services.
"How much money do they need?" Crist shouted while striding across a stage at Palm Beach Community College's Eissey campus.
Crist said local governments have reaped a fortune from rising property assessments and are more interested in paying for bigger government than helping people who need tax relief.
When someone in the crowd complained loudly that the Palm Beach County Commission has $2.3 billion in reserves and set-asides, Crist acted shocked.
"County government ain't a bank," Crist said. "It's your money, and they ought to give it back to you."
Crist and Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, who was in Punta Gorda, are having a series of town hall meetings around the state to stir support for lowering property taxes.
Florida lawmakers, who have less than two weeks left in their 60-day session, have explored a variety of ideas but the House and Senate remain far apart.
Jeanette Waddle, a Greenacres resident who is married with three children, told Crist that her property taxes increased from nearly $2,600 in 2005 to more than $4,600 in 2006.
"It's taking money away from us for going on a trip, taking a vacation," she said. "And more important, it is taking money we could apply to college" for the children.
Some in the crowd also complained about rising prices for property insurance.
State Sen. Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, who was on stage with Crist, said lawmakers will continue to push legislation forcing insurance companies to reduce rates.
Some in the crowd wanted more than just promises of lower taxes and property insurance. Several kept asking: "When?"
"Enough is enough. We got the message," Crist said repeatedly, adding that he expects lawmakers to get the job done by the time the session ends next week.
"We want to drop property taxes, and we want to drop them like a rock."
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