Proposition 13 Gives Security to Homeowners

Re “It Doesn’t Take a Genius -- or a Recall Candidate -- to See the Flaws in Prop. 13,” Aug. 21:

Proposition 13 disparities in property tax assessments are fair. It is not fair to increase property taxes based on market price because a property owner who holds his property does not benefit from increased market prices during his ownership.

The taxpayer who purchases property today knows his property tax burden. He knows his neighbor paid $40,000 20 years ago, with lower property taxes, while he just bought at $400,000. That is the market. But he is secure, knowing his taxes will increase by 2% per year for as long as he owns his home.

If Prop. 13 were changed or removed, housing would become less affordable. . Homeowners who saved and budgeted, and [can] barely afford their homes, would be forced to sell. Renters would pay the ever-increasing property taxes through higher rents. Consumers would absorb the higher taxes on industrial and commercial properties through higher prices.

Julia Araiza

Tustin