This is Part 2 in a series on tax freedom

Yes, the four words in this column’s headline summarize the subject of taxes for almost all taxpayers everywhere. Almost every citizen feels trapped and overtaxed by the impact and effects from all of the taxes government levies upon them.

Our taxes are too high and must be reduced.

Q: Why have taxes risen to current levels?

A: Most incumbents have failed to fulfill their respective fiduciary responsibility to properly represent taxpayers.

Q: How broad, how deep, how widespread is the problem of our high taxes?

A: Very broad, very deep and very widespread, involving all levals of government. That must change, and, it must change across the board.

Q: Will it?

A: The answer, in terms of predictability, is troubling.

Too many candidates seem to mimic the very incumbents, who for years have been putting their own elective self-interests ahead of the taxpayers’ interests.

Based on the history of such behaviors, citizens do not need a crystal ball to conjure up what the implications of such behavior can mean for them if that type of individual were to be elected this year.

It could and very likely would mean that certain donors and special groups that do block vote get access, get grants, get government funding while hard-working taxpayers continue to get taken for a ride by self-absorbed office-holders, party officials and operatives. That too must stop.

 Beleaguered citizens, overwhelmed by all of the aggregate taxes levied upon them by the various levels of government, are desperate for individuals to represent their interests with personal integrity, character and commitment.  

All new candidates as well as incumbents seeking re-election ought to pledge now that they will fulfill their personal fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers.

Of course, the primary measure of every elected official’s commitment ought to be their ongoing voting record. This record should show consistent balloting against all increased tax bills that come before them.

To be continued.

Richard Olivastro is president of Olivastro Communications. Rich Olivastro@ gmail.com or by phone at 1-877-RichSpeaks.