The debates around Ohio’s property tax come to Zanesville

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – A local political group came together to discuss the ongoing debates around property taxes in Ohio.

Wednesday night’s meeting is just one of several held by a political group called the Zanesville Patriots. The group meets monthly to discuss various political topics in hopes that people take more direct action in their community.

“It’s only a small group of very active people, really that are ultimately running the show and it’s because they’re taking the time and giving the energy to get their opinions heard. And so, we’re trying to motivate local people here to get out, vote, but also to get their opinion heard, be active with their local politicians and try to influence things for the betterment of the community,” said Ed Mulholland, a member of the group’s governing board.

Elizabeth Margolius was the guest speaker at the event. She volunteers with several policy groups throughout Ohio and gave a presentation arguing for the abolishment of property taxes and replacing them with a higher sales tax and possibly income tax.

“Well, it may need to be like a two-prong approach. Income tax may need to be affected and go up but sales tax affects everybody so even people who have no earned income would pay into sales tax. That would be retirees but also unemployment,” Margolius said.

Margolius said in an email after the interview that the income tax could be increased on a graduated basis to not put such a burden on lower middle class or retirees. To learn more about the Zanesville Patriots, you can visit their page on Facebook