In a new twist to the politics surrounding the referendum petition, College Park residents have started to receive a letter from the Prince George’s Property Association (PGPOA) yesterday. The letter asks residents to support the petition, which will force the City to put the referendum questions to the upcoming November election if it receives support of 20% of total registered voters.
Here is the full text of the letter.
The initiatives are sponsored by concerned voters in the City of College Park and the Prince George’s Property Owners Association. The Association has secured the services of a professional organization to collect the required signatures to place the initiatives on the next ballot.
The initiatives simply provide the voters the opportunity to vote on the issues.
ONE INITIATIVE FREEZES TAXES AT THE FISCAL YEAR 2011 LEVEL.
It would NOT preclude future tax increases. It merely requires that the City Council obtains voter approval to increase taxes. If the Council cannot justify a tax increase, it would need to live within its current revenues.
THE SECOND INITIATIVE ADDRESSES RENT CONTROL.
Currently, Rent Control only applies to single family homes and small apartment units. This initiative would apply the law to ALL rental units in the City, including the high-rise apartment units. It is a question of fairness and equity, and levels the playing field for all property owners.
RENT CONTROL ON SINGLE FAMILY HOMES, AND NOT ON HIGH-RISE-APARTMENTS, LOWERS PROPERTY VALUES OF SINGLE FAMILY HOMES. Protect the value of your home!
The initiative will not affect the Homestead Tax provisions of county law, and will not impact current rental licensing and inspections and fees on rental properties.
WANT FURTHER INFORMATION? GO TO: www.collegeparkhousing.org CALL: (443) 458-5312
Please remember, signing these initiatives is your democratic right.
BOTTOM LINE: It provides the opportunity for YOU, the voter, to have the final say on these vital issues.