Measure 2 avoids transfer tax

As a realtor and Burleigh County commissioner, I urge people to vote yes on Measure 2.

Measure 2 would prohibit the state and any political subdivision from implementing a transfer tax -- a tax on the sale or transfer of property. Many North Dakotans might be unfamiliar with a transfer tax because we're one of the states lucky enough not to have one. But 36 other states and the District of Columbia all charge transfer taxes, including our neighbors, Minnesota and South Dakota. There is real concern that as the state limits the amount of property taxes that can be levied locally, counties and cities will turn instead to transfer taxes to increase their revenue.

Transfer taxes would have a devastating effect on North Dakota's farmers and ranchers. Many of our state's ag producers are third- and fourth-generation farmers -- they work the same land that has been handed down from generation to generation for more than 100 years.

If the state or a political subdivision decided to implement a transfer tax, it could potentially cost tens of thousands of dollars to transfer the family farm to the next generation. North Dakota's farmers and ranchers have been the backbone of our state, our heritage and our economy for more than 100 years. They shouldn't have to pay tens of thousands of dollars just to pass the family farm on to their children.

Measure 2 would make sure our ag producers and all North Dakotans are never unduly burdened by a double tax on their property.

Stop the tax. Vote yes on Measure 2.

Editor's note: Schonert is a realtor and Burleigh County commissioner in Baldwin, N.D.