An over-taxed homeowner writes to Marion County treasurer

Here is a response to Marion County Treasurer, Michael Rodman's, letter. We particularly like its tone and reference to John Price's lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the tax bill.
Mr. Abrams...you rock!



Michael W. Rodman
200 East Washington Street
Suite 1001
Indianapolis, IN 46204-3356


RE: 4581 N. Illinois Street Parcel 8020696


Dear Mr. Rodman:

We are in receipt of your 2nd of 3 installment bills for the above parcel and the accompanying letter. Please be advised that no payment will be made until the constitutionality of your bills has been determined; as you know at least two lawsuits are working their way through the court system.

Secondly, while I always want to aid the government in doing its job, I must tell you that your second to last sentence that reads: Finally, we have the opportunity to make major and reasonable changes to our tax system is simply laughable. Your office has had since 1998 to make changes. Rather than doing so, you ignored assessing commercial property and failed your responsibilities to such a great extent that the assessment was deemed unacceptable. My gosh, how can we read your letter without laughing?

Today, the home directly behind mine is selling for $200,000 more than mine, but it pays less taxes! Can you explain how you got it that wrong and why we should trust you next time?
I look forward to your reply. Please let me know if I can be of assistance to your office while you try to fix this mess.

Best regards,
G. Douglas Abrams