Former Board member raises concerns for Prop 2 bond measure ahead of election day
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- As the April 8 General Municipal Election inches closer, one former School Board member is expressing concerns about the impact of the Prop 2 bond measure.
Ken Reeder, a candidate for a seat on the St. Joseph School District Board of Education, has been the only candidate who doesn't openly support the measure.
Reeder mentioned that numerous community members have come to him with worries and concerns for the measure ahead of election day.
As someone who owns multiple properties, whether it be renting or having tenants at his Airbnb locations, this measure will affect more than just the taxpayers.
"I have people coming to me saying, 'Well, I don't own a piece of property and I just rent...', I just had to notify 16 of my tenants, that if this does pass, that I have to raise their rent," said Reeder.
Reeder also notes the tax is on all properties. Including residential, personal, commercial and agricultural.
"If you drive a car that had a $500 tax last year, it's going to be $1,000 for the same old, used car," said Reeder.
As the only candidate who is against the measure, Reeder mentioned the numerous business owners and community members expressing their concerns about the rise in taxes.
"They (SJSD) know that we got this silent majority out there that do not believe in this whatsoever," said Reeder. "That they are not going to raise their hand and speak out against it because the cabal, the rich, elite few is jamming this two-school idea on us, to cause chaos for at least 15 years. To take away all of our community spirit."
Reeder said, having served on the Board not too long ago, he strongly advises not to vote on the measure.
"I think a lot of people forget, just 10 months ago, I was inside the belly of this beast," said Reeder. "And my outspokenness for the taxpayers is one of the things you (voters) voted me out for, and I don't mind if you don't vote me in again. I'll lose 100 races in the rest of my life to defeat this doubling of our tax."
The General Municipal Election will take place on Tuesday, April 8.
No-excuse absentee voting is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, April 7.
