Guest opinion: Give Montana cities more flexibility to meet growth demands

When the Montana Legislature meets in January, I hope it wisely opts to provide our cities with more flexibility to make fiscal decisions such as empowering residents with a greater say over how they are taxed locally.

Giving cities more latitude to respond to their specific conditions should add to the state’s overall economic health, while reducing taxes paid by Montanans.

In terms of efficient, responsive, and effective government, local authority is a crucial ingredient. These elected officials — and the tax, spending, and policy decisions they make — are close and accountable to the people.

By CHRIS MEHL

Read more: http://billingsgazette.com/news/opinion/guest/guest-opinion-give-montana-cities-more-flexibility-to-meet-growth/article_bafc18bc-5bc3-542c-827a-f5fe43399581.html#ixzz3NL6Mjk6C