As goes state tax appeal, so goes another

The state today dropped its appeal of a circuit court judge's ruling that the Legislature's "super" homestead exemption proposal was misleading. Now the Weston mayor who hobbled that plan is dropping his own court appeal.

A lawyer for Mayor Eric Hersh told the Buzz that he will withdraw on Wednesday an appeal of the judge's ruling upholding a different part of the state's original tax plan.

The provision stated "by general law, the legislature shall limit the authority of counties, municipalities and special districts to increase ad valorem taxes." Hersh's lawyer, Jamie Cole, argued that local government had a right to set millage rates up to 10. (It's kind of confusing because the Legislature still has the ability to cap property tax revenue, which it has.)

That same language was in the mix of the new tax proposal, drawing the protest of local governments on the grounds that it violated home rule. But it was dropped from consideration in the Senate plan that passed Monday. As a result, Cole said he will withdraw the appeal on Wednesday.

Comments

House 101 Primary

Hudson 37%
Zichella 33%
Spencer 28%
Lefebvre 2%

After hearing the Legislature blather on about how they are doing this so "the people" can decide if we want tax relief or not, why can't I be entitled to have a choice of options on how that tax relief should be achieved? I guess Charlie knows more than we do about what's good for me and my neighbors. Just like he does on insurance reform

I agree with you 9:06. Crist is an absentee leader who lets others do battle then claims victory for everyone. His popularity won't last forever.

I am encouraged by the fact that several newspapers reported today that a business group called the NFIB that represents small businesses and the FEA (Florida Education Association) are both going to oppose this amendment. Politics makes strange bedfellows I guess.

If the teachers and small businesses oppose this amendment, and we can bet the firefighters and police won't be far behind, maybe it will die. But we citizens need to truly step up and demand change.

There is some commission meeting that can put amendments on the ballot. I think some pressure needs to be put on them to provide better relief.

Hudson's over 39% now, and Spencer is ahead of Zichella. Let's hope this means the end to these suck-up Republican politcal wannabees running for office and thinking they can win. Our legislature is full of these farts, we need true community leaders to step up and represent their people.

Great win Matt!

Get over it

How do you outraise your closest opponent by $100,000, and still lose?

The right man won.

9:43

By thinking money is the answer. His daddy is a big home builder and I'm sure the realtors backed him. The realtors suck getting candidates elected, i.e. their President Nancy Riley.

All politics is local.

9:43
How do you lose?

Based on the last few specials you raise lots of money and then hire David Wolfson or Randy Enwright both of who don't have a clue about winning special elections....

Then you lose, 101 HD wasn't as big a blow out as the one "Team Enwright" suffered in Jax a while back.

What HD 101 proves yet once again is that having four of your friends posting on blogs about how you are going to win is not a substitute for running a real campaign.

exactly 1030

wolfson is atrocious

10:16 Matt Hudson is a realtor. A member and chairman of state committees for them. The Realtors supported Matt Hudson's race. Shows how litte you know about local politics.

And the majority of you must be dyslexic, since this post is supposedly regarding dropping the court appeal.

Besides several important tentative resolutions, the most important may be that the Legislature tired to urinate on Floridians again.