Kahn challenges Barbieri explanation

The campaign of Democrat Kathy (Kraack) Kahn responds to a recent comment by state Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, re: impact of his vote to cap homeowners exemption:

Second district legislative candidate Kathy (Kraack) Kahn charged today that her fall opponent, Rep. Vito Barbieri, is deceptive and deliberately purveying misinformation in trying to defend his vote for an increase in most homeowners’ property taxes.

“His response that capping the homeowner’s tax exemption at $100,000 is a tax shift, not a tax increase, is just plain wrong.  He know very well that when the value of a home goes above $200,000, which is only a mattter of time, the homeowner will pay more in their property taxes,” she stated.

“There is of course a tax shift his voting no on all education  spending matters does bring about, and that happens when school districts have to pass over-ride levies to replace the inadequate  revenue provided by the state.  Try telling the patrons in second district schools that they are not being subjected to a tax increase,” Kahn added.

“Vito is trying to obfuscate this issue instead of standing up and giving an honest explanation to the voters as to why he voted to increase their property taxes,” the retired star high school English teacher further explained.

“Even our Republican governor has criticized Mr. Barbieri for his constant voting no on most bills.  During Governor Otter’s tour Coeur d’Alene’s new Mental Health Emergency Facility he obviously had Mr. Barbieri in mind when he pointed out how irresponsible those who always vote no are,” Kahn concluded.