LETTER: Time to get rid of exemptions on property taxes

I read with dismay the article in the Daily Inter Lake about a religious organization potentially purchasing the historic Montana Building on First Avenue East. I am concerned that another non-profit organization is moving into the business district of downtown Kalispell.

This simply means that all residents of Kalispell must pay a little more in taxes to pick up a loss due to what religious organizations do not have to pay. There are many, many people in Kalispell who struggle to make ends meet. Every little nick means they have to go without some basic needs. It also puts another nail in the coffin to revitalize the business district of downtown Kalispell.

It is time that laws and regulations are amended to specifically require that all entities located in a business-designated area pay the same taxation level, i.e. no exemptions.

Too often supposedly non-profit organizations overstep their stated purpose without regard to whom they may be affecting. During the Easter week the thought occurred to me that it is time for a Jesus event wherein he upset the tables of the money-changers in the temple.

—Bob Hafferman, Kalispell