Emmer backed property tax levy hike in 2003
There's plenty of discussion in the GOP race for governor over which candidate is best suited to hold the line on tax hikes. Earlier this week, Marty Seifert formally signed a pledge to not increase taxes. Tom Emmer has refused to sign it and emphasized in a web video that he doesn't support tax hikes.
But Delano City Council meeting minutes show Emmer did vote to raise the city's property tax levy 16 percent to offset LGA cuts. The minutes also quote Emmer complaining over state mandates:
"Emmer noted that there are state laws that tie the hands of the City when it comes to setting property taxes and the Minnesota State Legislature is forcing local governments to raise taxes. Emmer commented if the State Legislature also imposes levy limits, the City is in a no win situation."
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Emmer told MPR that he voted for the plan to offset cuts in state aid.
"I voted to fill the hole. I didn't do any new spending. Nothing," Emmer said. "Our city stayed right where it was. Whether you want to say they were paying it into the state and then hoping to get it back, or they were paying it into the city to pay for those services."
That doesn't sit well with Seifert:
"You have a choice in cutting spending. The governor talks about that. The thing boils down to, just don't say, 'I've never ever done something,' if you have," Seifert said. "I have certainly made mistakes or have done things in office, and I 'fess up to it."
Emmer is turning his criticism on Seifert for voting for Gov. Pawlenty's Health Impact Fee in 2005 - a 75 cent a pack charge on cigarettes. Emmer argues that Seifert is the one who is inconsistent on taxes.
Seifert said the bill also included anti-abortion language and points out that GOP Reps. Michele Bachmann and Erik Paulsen both voted for the bill when they were in the Legislature. Emmer was out of state at the time and didn't vote on the bill.
Question of the Day: Does it matter?