We are seeing a growing trend of citizens deciding to step up — and open their pocketbooks — to address issues that are not being addressed to their satisfaction by their political subdivision.

Truly, this is taxation at its absolute best.

The most recent example is a group Milton Township residents pushing to ask residents to vote on a property tax levy to supplement police presence. The township is policed by the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, but it does not have a law enforcement agency or officer dedicated solely to the township and its nearly 4,000 residents.

This comes on the heels of citizens in a Niles Township subdivision pushing for a special assessment that would be used for road repairs.

No one really wants to pay more taxes or fees, but these initiatives are far different from the typical variety.

First, taxes like these are self initiated and citizens are making the decisions rather than politicians. Second, these funds go toward very specific issues residents feel need to be addressed right here at home.

Of course, the caveat to this approach is citizens still need to elect individuals they feel will use all public dollars wisely — including funds coming from state and federal government as well as any local initiatives like these.

The dangerous element to this approach is that elected officials who don’t push for efficiency and smart spending could falsely create needs within a community that would then fall at the feet of citizens.

Certainly this approach requires balance and moderation, but allowing voters to determine exactly how their tax or assessment dollars are spent is as democratic as it gets.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.