Election 2012: Phoenix Says Small Businesses Should See Property Tax Relief First

Ankeny voters will head to the polls on Nov. 6 to decide who will represent them in several local races.

One of those races will determine who will serve a portion of Ankeny residents as the Iowa House District 38 representative.

Today, Ankeny Patch is acquainting you with John Phoenix, Democratic challenger for the seat. Phoenix appears on the ballot with Republican incumbent Kevin Koester and Independent candidate Brett Nelson.

JOHN PHOENIX

Age: 65

Address: 1006 SW Springfield Dr., Ankeny IA

Employer: Retired – Iowa DNR, Law Enforcement Bureau – 2010

Number of years in the district: 4 years.

Summary of education: Des Moines North High School in 1965; Northwest Missouri State University, BS in 1969 with majors in mathematics and chemistry.

Family: Wife Diana, married 41 years. We live in Ankeny as do our son, daughter, son-in-law and grandson.

What do you see as the state government’s role, what should it do for taxpayers and what should it stay out of?

The role of state government is to provide the umbrella services demanded by the citizens of this state for education, public safety, judicial system, transportation networks, commerce and insurance oversight, health and human services, natural resources that add to Iowa’s quality life, cultural and economic development.  State government should stay out of individual health care decisions, religious life, and should not impede equal access to the commerce markets.

What were the top 3 successes of the most recent legislative session?

1. Approved a High Quality Jobs program with funding to help attract business to the state.
2. Expansion of job training programs at the community colleges to help get Iowans back to work.
3. Started on education reform.

What were the 3 biggest failures?

1. Failed to approve Made in Iowa legislation to give Iowa businesses a leg up on getting state and local contracts to keep the funding here in Iowa.
2. Failed to lower tuitions at our community colleges and state universities to increase access for Iowans.
3. Failed to reform our property tax system.

What should be the top priority of the next legislature?

We need to strengthen our economy and build Iowa’s skilled workforce.  It starts with a strong ag economy and passing Made in Iowa legislation that will give Iowa small businesses first crack at state and local government contracts to keep our tax dollars here in Iowa, not sent to India or China.  We need to work with educators and build a highly skilled workforce by ensuring every child graduates with the skills to land a good job or continue their education.  We also need to help Iowa businesses expand, lure new businesses to Iowa, and keep existing businesses here.  If we make this commitment, we will be an attractive place for businesses to relocate and thrive.

How can the state restructure property taxes without shifting the burden to homeowners?

First, we need to make sure our Iowa small businesses and main street businesses get significant relief first.  Small businesses are one of the primary job creators in our economy, and I believe we should focus relief on making sure Iowans can find good jobs.

Second, any reduction in commercial property taxes cannot cause higher property taxes for homeowners and farmers.  It is unclear to me what the Governor’s new plan entails for commercial property tax reform since the plans offered by Republicans and Branstad over the last two years have all shifted the property tax burden to homeowners and farmers.  

Finally, every Iowa community has a different makeup of commercial property in their jurisdiction.  We need to have a clear understanding about how property tax reform will impact our cities, counties and schools.  Property tax reform should also not hinder community development.  That is why I will support commonsense solutions approved on a bipartisan basis by the legislature this coming year regarding property tax reforms which put more sunshine on the process of how they affect local communities.

Is the current tax structure hurting the state’s economy?

No, we have a competitive tax structure, and the strength of our economy is an indication that tax policy is not inhibiting growth.

Should the next legislature take up the issue of same sex marriage? What would you propose?

It is almost four years since the Iowa Supreme Court ruling and same sex marriage has been legal in this state and the world did not end.  I see no reason for additional legislative action.

Should the remaining Iowa Supreme Court justices who ruled in favor of allowing same sex marriage be removed from the bench? Why or Why not?

Absolutely not, we should keep politics out of our court system.  The Supreme Court justices were merely doing their job of upholding the Constitution.

What is the most effective way the Legislature can improve Iowa’s economy?

Iowa is facing a workforce shortage in the next decade that will force businesses to move out of Iowa if we don’t take action soon.  We need to expand worker training for shortage areas and help under-employed Iowans upgrade their skills to land a good-paying job.  It’s also essential that every child graduate from high school with the skills necessary to continue their education or get additional skills training.

What is the most important way the Legislature can improve Iowa’s schools?

Iowa needs to keep focusing on improving student achievement and target resources to improve reading and math scores and ensuring children come to school ready to learn.  Our economy is dependent on a strong middle class.  It begins with guaranteeing every child has access to quality preschool so they enter school ready to learn.  It also means our schools prepare our kids for the jobs in today’s global economy and tuition is affordable at our community colleges and universities.  We must also find ways to help working families – many of which are working 3 or 4 jobs – make ends meet and have affordable care for their children.