19th District Senate Aspirants Differ On Taxes

Democrat Kirk L. Curtis and Republican Hal W. Ziegler, vying for the 19th District seat in the Michigan Senate, differ sharply on tax questions. Curtis, for example, lislikes the state property tax and would like to see a constitutional change to allow a graduated tax. He also supports repeal of the controversial proposal to repeal the sales tax on food and prescription medicines. Ziegler, on the other hand, opposes a graduated income tax and prefers a "shift" of dependence on the property tax to the current flat rate income tax. He advocates increased assistance for low income and fixed income persons instead of repeal of the food and drug tax. The two candidates are united in supI port of the proposed $1.1 billion transportation bond issue, however, and they offered their opinions on other state issues to The News. The News prepared questionnaires and mailed them to both candidates. Below lare summaries of their replies: PROPERTY TAX VS. GRADUATED INCOME TAX Curtís. Calling the property tax "clumsy and unfair" and charging it with discriminating against people with low, middle and fixed incomes, he urges another vote for the people of Michigan to decide whether or not. to change the Constitution to permit a graduated tax. In the meantime, he supports retaining the property tax but with uniform statewide assessment procedures and an increase in the income tax individual exemption to make it more progressive and correspond to "ability to pay." Ziegler: y He opposes a graduated income tax but has "consistently supported a shift from the property tax to the income tax while insuring the retention of local control," he says. EDUCATION FINANCING Curtís: He calis the Bursley plan "a significant step forward" and calis for its revisión by raising the yield factor from $39,000 to $60,000. He says that would reduce voted millage by eight milis in a district with 25 or more milis and reduce millage to a minimum 17 milis for districts levying 17 to 25 milis. The move would bring 19th District school districts "immediate tax relief," he says, and would be offset l.by a less than one per cent income tax hike. I Ziegler: Calling the Bursley plan "the proper I direction." he said "the constitutional mandate for equal education requires a more equitable distribution of funds." PAYMENTS IN LIEÜ OF TAXES Curtís: Giting federal precedents of "impacted aid," he is against payments in lieu of taxes "unless severe impact" on a local área, such as "large numbers of students in schools," could be proven. Ziegler: He favors "expanded revenue sharing," stating his belief in compensation being made "where state facilities créate a local financial burden." ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES Curtís: He advocates "stringent legislation to assure fair" property tax assessments through "the same assessment procedures" statewide. Ziegler: He supports legislation to "insure' uniform assessment procedures, such as "assessment by categories" of residen tial, commercial and agriculture. UNEMPLOYMENT Curtís: Dubious of the effectiveness of legislative efforts on short-term unemployment relief, he favors "significant property and income tax breaks" for industries choosing to lócate or expand in Michigan. New industry and diversification of auto-oriented dependence will be long term answers, he says. Ziegler: He contends that Michigan has "not done the job" in treating Michigan business in a manner that competes with other states, and he traces the problem there. FOOD AND DRUG TAX REPEAL Curtis: Calling it regressive, he supports repeal of the tax. Ziegler: He opposes the proposal, says the revenues would have to be replaced and suggests instead "continued efforts to assist low income and retired persons." TRANSPORTATION BOND PROPOSAL I Curtis: He supports it as "a significant first step in developing the transportation needs this state has and will have in the future." Ziegler: He supports it. VETERANS BONUS Curtís: Citing precedents of such bonuses for other wars' veterans, he supports it. Ziegler: He supports it. EFFECT OF THE THREE ' PROPOSALS Curtís: He contends the repeal would aid those on low or fixed incomes by relieving inflation and believes it would not necessitate an income tax hike. The veterans bonus might pump money into the hóusing industry, he says. The transportation bond issue might spark the economy generally, he believes, and "holds the most promise" with future employment opportunities for construction of the f acilities. Ziegler: Repeal of the sales tax would mean "a personal and business tax increase," he believes. The transportation bond issue "would greatly enhance the economie situation in Michigan," he says, and the veterans bonus "has merit because it is fgir and overdue." 2 LAND USE Curtís: Calling land use "one of this state's most pressing needs at this time," he says he would generally support the initiatives of the Mastin Land Use bilí "with some stronger local review componaits built in." Ziegler: He sees a need for regional planning and favors "more flexibility within township, cities and counties to join together." He is concerned that complete state control would jeopardize local control. CAMPAIGN REFORM Curtís: Pointing to Michigan Senate spending limits of $50,000 according to the new state campaign financing law, he calis it "a farce." He supports Common Cause proposals for f uil disclosure of all contributions over $10, no anonymous contribu1 tions over $10, random campaign audits, prohibition of cash expenditures over! $20 a ban on tax-paid mass mailings by state officials 90 days before an election and a tax checkoff for gubernatorial 1 didates. Zicgler: ' Contending that "the public has a right to know," he advocates campaign reform, open meetings and financial dispinciirp The 19th District of the Michigan Senate includes Sharon and Manchester Townships in Washtenaw County and portions of Lenawee, Hillsdale and Jackson counties. Candidates for the seat are: Kirk L. Curtis, 7247 Coonhill Rd., Munith (Democrat) Rep. Hal W. Ziegler, 2011 Cascades Dr., Jacljson, incumbent state representative from the 23rd District (Republican).