Protesters Vow To Continue Property Tax Fight

INDIANAPOLIS -- Protesters outside the governor's residence said Monday they won't stop until their concerns about Marion County's property taxes are addressed.

Dozens of people lined Meridian Street at 46th Street Monday morning in another protest. Their demonstration comes as both state and county leaders consider plans to deal with anger over taxes, including the possibility of throwing out Marion County's assessments altogether.

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Capitol WatchBlog: State Has Extra Money In The Bank, But Will It Mean Property Tax Help?
Slideshow: Signs Of Property Tax Protest

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Gov. Mitch Daniels on Saturday floated some proposals to stem the tax tide.

The Meridian-Kessler neighborhood, on Indianapolis' north side, has been the focal point of protests in the weeks since tax bills went out with staggering increases for some, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

Horns blared as motorists passing protesters honked in approval of their efforts during the morning rush hour. Protesters said they hope their message is heard downtown, where politicians are coming to grips with the enormity of the issue.

"We think it's going to help. That's why we're out here," said Greg Pedgett. "Mitch, while you're thinking, we're sinking. Our property taxes have gone up 470 percent since 2003."

"We need to get reassessments. We need to get all the data. We need to get going and not have this continuing," said Nancy Whitacker, who held a sign that said "special session now." "We're going to keep doing this until people listen."

Protesters said the property tax situation is changing the way voters look at issues.

"I think people have been really busy. I'm certainly guilty of that," said Laura Hile. "Not anymore -- this has changed the way I'm going to live my life from now on. I think we all have to own up to a little bit of responsibility ourselves as far as if we went to the polls, if we weren't informed, that sort of thing."

Homeowners said they plan to hold the government and those currently in power accountable.

"We've think it's extremely presumptuous of our Legislature and our leaders to think that people can just step up and pay these tax bills," said John Peoni.

Daniels was not home to hear the protesters. He is in Washington on Monday talking to health policy leaders.

• July 15, 2007: 'Black Sunday' Tax Protest Attracts Hundreds
• July 14, 2007: Daniels Proposes Tax Relief Options
• July 13, 2007: 'For Sale' Signs Spring Up In Heavily Taxed Neighborhoods
• July 13, 2007: IPS Delaying Projects Because Of Tax Concerns
• July 13, 2007: New Property Tax Chief To Probe 'Suspicious' Assessments
• July 12, 2007: Mayor: Plan Would Lower Property Taxes This Year
• July 12, 2007: Governor Leans Closer To Indy Assessment Redo
• July 11, 2007: Property Tax Respite Coming?
• July 11, 2007: Property Tax Crisis Has Buyers Bailing On Purchases
• July 10, 2007: Governor, Speaker: Tax Deal Should Precede Special Session
• July 10, 2007: Suit Challenges Property Assessments
• July 10, 2007: Governor Mulls Special Session For Property Tax Relief