We've all heard of politically connected businesses getting tax breaks. But are you ready for politically connected businesses staffing boards that can decide to raise your property taxes? Are you ready for them to decide how much of your tax money should go to, say, beautifying their business?

Under Issue 3, such arrangements would be constitutional under state law. The proposed amendment would explicitly repeal or modify any provision of the Arkansas Constitution that stands in the way.

Arkansas Ballot Issue 3 would authorize the creation of "economic development districts" that do not need to pay their community a dime of property tax. But the district leadership, comprised of a so far undefined mix of business leadership and municipal officials, could levy whatever property taxes it chooses for the district. That money could then be used to "develop" select businesses in a wide variety of ways, including buildings, furnishings, equipment, and "improvements."

If you are a small business owner, how do you feel about potentially paying your competitors' bills? Does that sound like fair........

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