Editor, Times-Union: Questions have arisen on my position on the business equipment tax. I think it is reasonable for citizens to hear my full reasoning on this subject. When one publishes a portion of what I have said, it may be subject to unreasonable distortion. As the saying goes, text without context is pretext. In that regard I provide the verbatim of a recent Facebook exchange I had on this subject with a future constituent. September 7, 2014, 11:31 a.m. posting. Future Constituent: Can you explain why you criticized Governor Pence for repealing the Equipment Property Tax because he offered no alternative, and didn’t offer one of your own? Is it because you love taxes – or do you not have an alternative to offer? David Kolbe: I am troubled by the repeal of this tax. My alternative to the repeal is to re-institute the tax. I see few very good alternatives to fill the gap and find them burdensome to those who can least afford to bear the load. I am concerned that the repeal of the tax will place a greater burden on the average person through an increase in local taxes, possible higher property taxes, and even the potential for a greater sales tax. Placing a greater tax burden on the middle and working classes is both harmful to them and the economy. The premise of eliminating the business equipment tax is to attract business. I see two flaws in this reasoning. First, businesses are not attracted to states with crumbling infrastructures. Second, I tend to believe businesses are more concerned about regulation than the equipment tax. My emphasis is to re-institute the tax because it places less burden on local governments, less tax burden on average people, and likely has little effect on whether businesses locate in our state. Thanks again for your comments. In this campaign I have taken the time to speak with local leaders and sense their concern on the loss of nearly $1 billion that this tax generated which money was sent back to local governments. As a house member I believe I need to listen to constituents as well as local leaders who have a good sense on how they can provide the best services. Tax dollars are necessary to provide essential services to the people of our district and, if elected, I will get up every morning and go to work with that goal in mind. And, as always, I will endeavor to listen and respond to all constituents. David C. Kolbe Candidate for District 22 Indiana House of Representatives Warsaw, via email
