Need for fair taxation trumps need for privacy

This In response to a letter to the editor written by Anne Chamberlain on Jan. 10, 2008.

I am in agreement with Ms. Chamberlain's concern about the severity of the fine proposed for those who failed to disclose the sale data on their properties. However, I do think there should be a reasonable penalty that is both fair and collectable.

I am in disagreement about her concern for privacy as to the amount of the sale. Evidently, 46 states have disclosure laws, so it must be constitutional. Furthermore, there is no privacy right now. If you want to find out the sales price of a home in your neighborhood, just contact your real estate broker.

It is essential that the Bonner County Assessors Office gain information on sales data as the law in the state of Idaho requires that our assessments be based on "fair market value." The definition of "fair market value" is the recent sales price of comparable properties.

Whatever small benefit gained by individual "privacy" is far outweighed by the ability of the assessor to determine a fair assessment for us all.

TRECY CARPENTER

Co-chair, Idaho Citizens for Tax Reform