We need to strengthen local government, not hurt it

Scott Herndon wants to eliminate Idaho's property tax, telling a Post Falls crowd, "You're just renting from the government." Good applause line, until the fire truck doesn't come.

I don't rent from the government. I am the government — a citizen invested in my community. My property is worth more because of the roads, deputies, fire crews and schools my property taxes fund. To question that spending, I don't go to Boise. I call the fire chief or walk into a school board meeting. That's local control.

Herndon's plan would end it. He proposes no new revenue to replace property taxes, just hope that state revenue grows enough "over time." Today, local boards decide how those dollars are spent. Under his plan, schools and fire districts would depend on whatever Boise decides to send.

We've seen this before. In 2025, as Bonner County Republican Central Committee chairman, Herndon led the push against three fire district levies using the same rhetoric. All three failed. Fire protection isn't optional. Opposing the levies that fund it while offering no credible replacement isn't fiscal discipline. It's starving local services and calling it tax relief.

Local government is closest to the people and knows its own needs. We should strengthen it, not make it dependent on Boise. That’s a traditional Republican value, but again, Herndon wouldn’t understand, he didn’t register as one until he wanted to control local politics.

BARBARA SCHRIBER

Sandpoint