Only government could come up with a proposal to save taxpayer money that would actually cost them $4 billion a year. Yet, that is exactly what one of the recommendations of a New York State Commission to bring property tax relief to New Yorkers would cost. If enacted, it would bring relief only to those property owners identified by the government as being low- to middle-income homeowners and do nothing to address the real problem­— the rising cost of local taxes exacerbated by a history of irresponsible and unfunded New York State mandates. Governor David Paterson was right to reject the plan and to stand up against its powerful supporters, the New York State United Teachers Union and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan). We applaud his political independence. Theonly proposal that will work is a combination, double-whammy approach.reducing the cost of government, including school districts that account for the largest chunk of a homeowner's property taxes, and putting into place an accountability clause that would require New York state lawmakers to include in every mandate resolution a financial accounting of how it will be paid for at the state level. Perhaps, then, Albany will be more responsible in demanding that other levels of government provide certain services to its citizens. In short, Albany should be required to come up with the cash or keep its bureaucratic hands out of the pockets of local government.

Another suggestion is to place a cap on property taxes, something the teachers union and Sheldon also oppose. While that may be a another approach, we're not sure it will even be necessary if the state assumes its responsibility of paying for the services it mandates local governments provide. We think the state should take that step first and then see how things go. If school districts and local governments do not respond in a responsible way by reducing taxes, then the state can always move forward and impose a cap. That's our view, what's yours? Readers can write to us 65 Deer Park Ave., Babylon nY 11702, or via email at acjnews@rcn.com.