This quote is from Mickey Sandifer's recent on line questionnaire with the Shawnee Dispatch which can be read at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2012/mar/07/candidate-questionnaire-mickey-sandifer-ward-iv/
I am a homeowner familiar with all the tax obligations associated with owning property in Shawnee.
He went on to indicate that since his opponent lived in an apartment that he (Sandifer) was the better candidate.
I guess that Sandifer does not comprehend how property taxes affect folks who rent apartments. So, for his benefit, should he read this, I will try and keep it simple, since I'd hate to overtax (no pun intended) Sandifer's brain.
The apartment complex that Dylan McAfee (Sandifer's opponent in the 4th Ward council race) lives in pays over $235,000 a year in property taxes. That is almost 1/4 of a million dollars. Now when you divide that by the number of units in the complex, that works out to approximately $550 per unit/per year. That is, unless you think the ownership is going to give the renters a free pass. Of course not, they include that in the rent.
Now when you realize how much living space each person has in an apartment, then proportionately it is possible that some renters may actually pay more than some home owners. The only difference is that the renters don't get a separate bill. Additionally, apartment renters in Shawnee also pay the 5% franchise fee on utilities. And, all other utility fees, taxes, etc. Oh my gosh. Renters are affected by property taxes and franchise fees (another form of taxation).
It's time for the folks in Ward 4 to realize they have been snowed by Sandifer. Dylan McAfee would bring youth and a vision of the future to the ward and the city. And yes, for those who don't know me, I am very comfortable with his youthfulness even though I have grandchildren older than Dylan.
