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I do not foresee any great rush to utilize IRR, but it is a <br /> good way for the public to have more say in government. If <br /> they have more say in government they will be more interested <br /> and that is healthy. When the public feels repressed they <br /> have to have an out. As one of the instigators of the only <br /> successful referendum this county has ever had, I will tell <br /> you, it is not easy. I hope to never have to do it again. <br /> It is too costly in time, money, and energy. But it should <br /> be there if we need it. <br /> Now that the county will be taking over the <br /> property tax assessments, I think it is time to speak out for <br /> the property owners. The homeowners who actually live on their <br /> property. We need a •break. Oh , yes, the rate has remained the <br /> same, but the evaluation has gone up so that the taxes are out <br /> of sight for many pensioners and retirees. When a person buys <br /> a home, the evaluation should be frozen until he dies , moves <br /> out, or sells the place and then a new evaluation should be <br /> made. There should be, definitely, a minimum assessment. We <br /> all use government services of some kind. Have you ever <br /> considered a head tax? We have many transients who come here <br /> for a year or two and never own property. They use our <br /> government facilities and perhaps should help pay for them. <br /> Some provision should be made so that when a <br /> member of the county council is ill , as has happened with <br /> Kawahara, and will be unable to carry out his duties for any <br /> length of time there can be someone to represent him in his <br /> district. The easiest way would be for him to appoint someone <br /> pro tem. But if he were unable to do so then there has to be <br /> another way. I suggest that when any official takes office, <br /> he could, at that time, designate someone to represent him if <br /> the necessity ever arises. <br /> I would like to see staggered terms so that it <br /> would be impossible for there to be a complete turnover of the <br /> county council membership at any time. That way there would <br /> not be the long period of learning the ropes. Perhaps we <br /> should also limit the number of terms a councilman can serve. <br /> Say two consecutive terms. We should also limit the amount <br /> of money spent for campaigning. Not more than one year' s <br /> salary for the position you are campaigning for. Elected <br /> officials who are doing a good job are known to the public. <br /> Those who spend the most are not necessarily the best officials. <br /> Our code of ethics reads well but it does nO€ seem <br /> to be properly enforced. We should strengthen the enforcement <br /> of that. <br /> I hope that there will be a true hearing at a <br /> later date once you have gathered all the information and input <br /> you need and have a document ready for us to study. Thank you. <br /> MR. TRULSON : Mrs. Carvalho, I have two questions. <br /> One, regarding the freezing of taxes , are you stating only on <br /> residences? Just on private residences? <br /> -12- <br />