Elect Dr. Terry Lee LaFleur
For Governor Of South Dakota
Paid For By The Campaign to Elect Terry L. LaFleur JD/D.O.L. 2002
For Governor November, 2018
For Governor Of South Dakota
Paid For By The Campaign to Elect Terry L. LaFleur JD/D.O.L. 2002
For Governor November, 2018
* Personal Profile - education and life experiences.
* Support the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.
* Civil Service is not a career opportunity.
* Repeal of the South Dakota Bar Examination requirements.
* No one is above the law.
* Repealing the death penalty, and why.
* Rebuilding our infrastructure.
* Repealing sales taxes on necessities.
* If your old enough to pay taxes, your old enough to vote.
* We need to explore reusable energy resources.
* Universal healthcare, not "Obama Care."
* Right to a dignified burial.
* Repeal of the wheel tax and implementing vehicle safety inspections.
* Creating a State Flat Rate Income Tax plan.
* Graduated assessed property tax reduction plan.
* Revising Worker's Compensation Laws.
* Government can be small and very effective at the same time.
* Call to donate and disclaimer.
* Support the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.
* Civil Service is not a career opportunity.
* Repeal of the South Dakota Bar Examination requirements.
* No one is above the law.
* Repealing the death penalty, and why.
* Rebuilding our infrastructure.
* Repealing sales taxes on necessities.
* If your old enough to pay taxes, your old enough to vote.
* We need to explore reusable energy resources.
* Universal healthcare, not "Obama Care."
* Right to a dignified burial.
* Repeal of the wheel tax and implementing vehicle safety inspections.
* Creating a State Flat Rate Income Tax plan.
* Graduated assessed property tax reduction plan.
* Revising Worker's Compensation Laws.
* Government can be small and very effective at the same time.
* Call to donate and disclaimer.
To the People of the State of South Dakota. My name is Dr.Terry LaFleur D.O.L.. I have been known to be wrong from time-to-time, but I always admit my mistakes and own them. But today, I announce my intention to run for the office of governor of the State of South Dakota in the 2018 Gubernatorial election. As my wife likes to remind me, “this is a mistake.” It very well may be!
However, I believe that I am qualified and ready, willing and able to perform the duties of the office of governor for this state. I've been a successful entrepreneur most of my life; and I certainly can't do any worse of a job then those who have gone before me! To coin a phrase from Donald Trump, "what the hell do you have to lose!"
I believe I'm qualified for the following reasons. First, I am 61 years old this September 7, 2016. Secondly, I'm a December, 1997 graduate of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion. Thirdly, I am a May, 2002 graduate of Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in Lansing, Michigan.
Throughout my educational history I strived to learn and grow to become a better person, citizen, father and husband. Like many non-traditional students, I had to balance my educational career with my familial responsibilities, which were many. I'm no one special in this regard, but I made a promise to my family and myself to never accept defeat. To never say "I can't do it!" In fact I have set and met every goal I've placed before me except one. That goal was to take and pass the South Dakota state bar exam. This story is better left for another day. Let's just say for now, that I vehemently believe that I actually passed the bar exam on my last attempt, but uncontrollable forces were at play that prevented me from achieving this one final goal.
I know, in my heart of hearts, that God put me on this planet to perform some good act. To help my fellow human beings. To better all of our lives'! Therefore, I believe that my mission is to run for the office of governor in 2018 and I proudly state my positions below. My platform is conservative at its roots; it’s progressive and aggressive, compassionate and strict, and as such, differs sharply from the typical GOP candidate.
Fellow South Dakotans', I add this amendment to my personal information in lieu of the recent events in Pierre because it troubles me considerably. I am as politically incorrect as any man you may meet, and I hate when people of authority run roughshod over people who cannot defend themselves. Politicians who refuse to listen to their constituents, are truly showing their true colors. Clearly the State Politicians' do not have the "People of South Dakota" best interests at heart these days because they do not vote for the "Peoples'" best interest! I believe they hold their own best interests closer to their hearts, then those of ours'! I base this statement on the most recent actions of the State Senators' and House Representatives in Pierre!
However, I believe that I am qualified and ready, willing and able to perform the duties of the office of governor for this state. I've been a successful entrepreneur most of my life; and I certainly can't do any worse of a job then those who have gone before me! To coin a phrase from Donald Trump, "what the hell do you have to lose!"
I believe I'm qualified for the following reasons. First, I am 61 years old this September 7, 2016. Secondly, I'm a December, 1997 graduate of the University of South Dakota, Vermillion. Thirdly, I am a May, 2002 graduate of Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in Lansing, Michigan.
Throughout my educational history I strived to learn and grow to become a better person, citizen, father and husband. Like many non-traditional students, I had to balance my educational career with my familial responsibilities, which were many. I'm no one special in this regard, but I made a promise to my family and myself to never accept defeat. To never say "I can't do it!" In fact I have set and met every goal I've placed before me except one. That goal was to take and pass the South Dakota state bar exam. This story is better left for another day. Let's just say for now, that I vehemently believe that I actually passed the bar exam on my last attempt, but uncontrollable forces were at play that prevented me from achieving this one final goal.
I know, in my heart of hearts, that God put me on this planet to perform some good act. To help my fellow human beings. To better all of our lives'! Therefore, I believe that my mission is to run for the office of governor in 2018 and I proudly state my positions below. My platform is conservative at its roots; it’s progressive and aggressive, compassionate and strict, and as such, differs sharply from the typical GOP candidate.
Fellow South Dakotans', I add this amendment to my personal information in lieu of the recent events in Pierre because it troubles me considerably. I am as politically incorrect as any man you may meet, and I hate when people of authority run roughshod over people who cannot defend themselves. Politicians who refuse to listen to their constituents, are truly showing their true colors. Clearly the State Politicians' do not have the "People of South Dakota" best interests at heart these days because they do not vote for the "Peoples'" best interest! I believe they hold their own best interests closer to their hearts, then those of ours'! I base this statement on the most recent actions of the State Senators' and House Representatives in Pierre!
* Just so there are no misunderstandings, I hereby state the following:
* We need tougher sentencing guidelines for recidivists (e.g. “If you can’t do the time, then don’t do the crime”, Tony Beretta).
* Not just for violent crime, but for crimes such as drugs and DUI's.
* The laws now really have no prohibitive effects. It's like getting a slap on the wrist and a fine; then they go right back out and do it again!
* We don’t need more prisons or county jails.
* We don’t need retribution, but rather restitution and reeducation.
* Once your debt is paid to society, you have a right to live in peace. Provided you don’t break the law.
* I believe in original intent when it comes to the Constitution. I believe in due process rights; competent attorney representation during all aspects of the process; and the right to a speedy trial. I believe in enforcing both the state and federal constitution's, and I swear to uphold them both to the letter.
* Not just for violent crime, but for crimes such as drugs and DUI's.
* The laws now really have no prohibitive effects. It's like getting a slap on the wrist and a fine; then they go right back out and do it again!
* We don’t need more prisons or county jails.
* We don’t need retribution, but rather restitution and reeducation.
* Once your debt is paid to society, you have a right to live in peace. Provided you don’t break the law.
* I believe in original intent when it comes to the Constitution. I believe in due process rights; competent attorney representation during all aspects of the process; and the right to a speedy trial. I believe in enforcing both the state and federal constitution's, and I swear to uphold them both to the letter.
* I will vehemently protect our 2nd Amendment right to own and bear firearms.
* I have been around firearms since I was 12 years old.
* I firmly believe that Firearms do not kill people, people do!
* I have yet to see a firearm of any type jump up and pull its own trigger!
* I believe that if firearms were prohibited, people will just find some other weapon to cause harm to one another; therefore, I see no reasonable excuse to ban firearms.
* Case in point: In law school we briefed a case wherein a school principal, frustrated with the community at large, placed several cases of dynamite under the one room school house in Bath, Michigan. When classes convened the next morning, he ignited the dynamite, killing everyone in the school house. It just goes to show you that no matter what, if an individual plans to harm another, they can do it without the use of a firearm.
* Sandy Hook Elementary was a tragic incident. However, that man didn't just wake up that morning and decide to go on a killing rampage at that grade school. People all around him were noticing the psychological signs and some even tried to seek professional advise; but not one person in a position of authority of any kind stepped up to help that man. Yes, he was a monster for what he did, but it didn't happen over night!
* I also believe that one of the top ten reasons our country will never be invaded by a foreign power is that there are more firearms per city block then in any other country on this planet.
* What this means is, no one will expend the resources necessary to fight door-to-door because it would be very costly. Even if they used strategic weapons, there would still be enough men, women and children left alive to cause great havoc and carnage on any insurgent army.
* I have been around firearms since I was 12 years old.
* I firmly believe that Firearms do not kill people, people do!
* I have yet to see a firearm of any type jump up and pull its own trigger!
* I believe that if firearms were prohibited, people will just find some other weapon to cause harm to one another; therefore, I see no reasonable excuse to ban firearms.
* Case in point: In law school we briefed a case wherein a school principal, frustrated with the community at large, placed several cases of dynamite under the one room school house in Bath, Michigan. When classes convened the next morning, he ignited the dynamite, killing everyone in the school house. It just goes to show you that no matter what, if an individual plans to harm another, they can do it without the use of a firearm.
* Sandy Hook Elementary was a tragic incident. However, that man didn't just wake up that morning and decide to go on a killing rampage at that grade school. People all around him were noticing the psychological signs and some even tried to seek professional advise; but not one person in a position of authority of any kind stepped up to help that man. Yes, he was a monster for what he did, but it didn't happen over night!
* I also believe that one of the top ten reasons our country will never be invaded by a foreign power is that there are more firearms per city block then in any other country on this planet.
* What this means is, no one will expend the resources necessary to fight door-to-door because it would be very costly. Even if they used strategic weapons, there would still be enough men, women and children left alive to cause great havoc and carnage on any insurgent army.
* I vehemently believe that civil service should not be a career opportunity. It should be service to the constituents in your communities. On every level.
* This may not be a big problem here in South Dakota, and that's the way it should be.
* Another controversial issue is life time medical and retirement benefits just because you once served in public office.
* I know of not one other profession that affords such liberal benefits then politics. In almost every other profession when you leave, you lose your benefits entirely.
* We cannot afford to continue such practices if we ever hope to balance the budget and keep taxes down.
* This may not be a big problem here in South Dakota, and that's the way it should be.
* Another controversial issue is life time medical and retirement benefits just because you once served in public office.
* I know of not one other profession that affords such liberal benefits then politics. In almost every other profession when you leave, you lose your benefits entirely.
* We cannot afford to continue such practices if we ever hope to balance the budget and keep taxes down.
* Repeal of The South Dakota Bar Examination Requirements!
* The MBE does not test your true legal knowledge for the most part. It's designed to be an exclusionary exam, not an inclusionary exam! For example: the January exam - sets a stage at the Baseball Hall of Fame, "A" is being inducted, "B" pulls the chair out from under "A", "A" is on global TV and is extremely embarrassed, under tort law what's "A's" remedies? Answer: IIED! July Exam - same set of facts! Answer: Battery! These are known as trick questions! Bar examiners' love to play games. But the examinee is seriously trying to comply to the letter of the law and begin their career. There's no time for their games! There are other remedies available for plaintiff's and defendant's when their attorney screws up. Other professions like medical doctors are tested on their actual knowledge; their examiners' don't use trick questions!
* The MPE does most closely reflect what practicing law can be like. Because this is exactly what a senior partner might ask a rookie attorney to do for the firm.
* The MEE is designed to test your knowledge of the 12 comprehensive state law courses. However, they choose 7 areas to test, and throw out one area randomly just minutes prior to beginning the exam. You have no idea which 7 will be in, or which one of the 7 will be excluded. Therefore, every examinee must be comprehensively prepared for all 12 state law areas! It takes 50 - 60 hours of study time for every hour of actual examination time! That effort takes great levels of commitment, and tremendous! amounts of sacrifice. Just watch "Pope Fiction" and you will understand!
* Because the bar exam is exclusionary not inclusionary, it's not fair to charge grad students' money for admission fees, when the system expects 75% of all examinees' to fail. Additional cost are accrued by purchases of prep materials. It can cost over $4,000 on average to sit for just one exam; imagine having to retake the exam the three times as of right under state law? Even when they waive the application fee after the first attempt it is still very costly! After that, the right to sit is by motion before the State Supreme Court.
* Prior to the bar examination requirement, any law school graduate was allowed to practice under the degree exception! This meant all the graduate needed to practice was a Juris Doctrine degree from an ABA Accredited Law School!
* Law school graduates have spent large sums of money on their legal degrees. The costs are far more expensive then they once were 50 - 60 years ago! Credit hours cost $800 - $1,200 per hour today!
* Bar exams don't make an attorney competent, they just mean that their good at passing an exam. People can be book smart, but fall far short of competency in actual practice! That includes most every "gate keeper" holding the key to the law practice gate!
* Law school graduates have achieved great success because they stood up and made the grades. Today's graduates are no less competent then the graduates who got in under the degree exception. State's like Wisconsin allow the degree exception as long as the graduate student matriculated at a ABA accredited Wisconsin Law School.
* Wherefore, I will repeal the State Bar Examination requirements because they are unfair and prejudicial to hard working law graduate students!
* Our plan will require the Board of Regents to adopt higher entry level GPA's for admission to South Dakota Law Schools! This is not because I am opposed to allowing everyone the opportunity to reach for the brass ring, it's just unconscionable to set people up for a disappointment. Our plan offers reciprocity to other ABA accredited law schools, if they allow South Dakota graduates to practice under the degree exception too!
* An average of 75 out of 100 examinees' are turned away after every examination and that's unethical in my opinion!
A total of 75 examinee's @ $1,200 in application fees = $90,000 every six months if first time examinee's sit for the bar! Additionally, another 50 examinee's @ $1,200 reap the state bar association an additional $60,000. For a grand (i.e. no pun intended) total of $240,000 each year! Does anyone besides me see the motive here! These figures are examples!
* The MBE does not test your true legal knowledge for the most part. It's designed to be an exclusionary exam, not an inclusionary exam! For example: the January exam - sets a stage at the Baseball Hall of Fame, "A" is being inducted, "B" pulls the chair out from under "A", "A" is on global TV and is extremely embarrassed, under tort law what's "A's" remedies? Answer: IIED! July Exam - same set of facts! Answer: Battery! These are known as trick questions! Bar examiners' love to play games. But the examinee is seriously trying to comply to the letter of the law and begin their career. There's no time for their games! There are other remedies available for plaintiff's and defendant's when their attorney screws up. Other professions like medical doctors are tested on their actual knowledge; their examiners' don't use trick questions!
* The MPE does most closely reflect what practicing law can be like. Because this is exactly what a senior partner might ask a rookie attorney to do for the firm.
* The MEE is designed to test your knowledge of the 12 comprehensive state law courses. However, they choose 7 areas to test, and throw out one area randomly just minutes prior to beginning the exam. You have no idea which 7 will be in, or which one of the 7 will be excluded. Therefore, every examinee must be comprehensively prepared for all 12 state law areas! It takes 50 - 60 hours of study time for every hour of actual examination time! That effort takes great levels of commitment, and tremendous! amounts of sacrifice. Just watch "Pope Fiction" and you will understand!
* Because the bar exam is exclusionary not inclusionary, it's not fair to charge grad students' money for admission fees, when the system expects 75% of all examinees' to fail. Additional cost are accrued by purchases of prep materials. It can cost over $4,000 on average to sit for just one exam; imagine having to retake the exam the three times as of right under state law? Even when they waive the application fee after the first attempt it is still very costly! After that, the right to sit is by motion before the State Supreme Court.
* Prior to the bar examination requirement, any law school graduate was allowed to practice under the degree exception! This meant all the graduate needed to practice was a Juris Doctrine degree from an ABA Accredited Law School!
* Law school graduates have spent large sums of money on their legal degrees. The costs are far more expensive then they once were 50 - 60 years ago! Credit hours cost $800 - $1,200 per hour today!
* Bar exams don't make an attorney competent, they just mean that their good at passing an exam. People can be book smart, but fall far short of competency in actual practice! That includes most every "gate keeper" holding the key to the law practice gate!
* Law school graduates have achieved great success because they stood up and made the grades. Today's graduates are no less competent then the graduates who got in under the degree exception. State's like Wisconsin allow the degree exception as long as the graduate student matriculated at a ABA accredited Wisconsin Law School.
* Wherefore, I will repeal the State Bar Examination requirements because they are unfair and prejudicial to hard working law graduate students!
* Our plan will require the Board of Regents to adopt higher entry level GPA's for admission to South Dakota Law Schools! This is not because I am opposed to allowing everyone the opportunity to reach for the brass ring, it's just unconscionable to set people up for a disappointment. Our plan offers reciprocity to other ABA accredited law schools, if they allow South Dakota graduates to practice under the degree exception too!
* An average of 75 out of 100 examinees' are turned away after every examination and that's unethical in my opinion!
A total of 75 examinee's @ $1,200 in application fees = $90,000 every six months if first time examinee's sit for the bar! Additionally, another 50 examinee's @ $1,200 reap the state bar association an additional $60,000. For a grand (i.e. no pun intended) total of $240,000 each year! Does anyone besides me see the motive here! These figures are examples!
* I believe no-one is above the law. Especially due to your status in society. How can we say, “ignorance of the law is no excuse” and then give absolute immunity to the educated among us who knowingly break the laws.
* What message are we sending to our fellow citizens if we say "do as I say, not as I do!"
* In order to be non-discriminating against any one group of people, we have to discriminate against everyone (i.e. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Supreme Court Justice).
* One of my college Professors once told me, "the only difference between the inmates and the guards is the bars." I believe that a few bad cops, make it harder for the good cops to do their job! But I also believe that a bad cop can not exist within an honest police department, unless at some higher level there's a serious problem going on! But this problem exists even at the very top of both State and Federal law enforcement organizations. Example, D.O.J. refused to even investigate the Clinton Foundations connection to Hillary's conduct at the State Department.
* Because I prescribe in what Justice Holmes said, I promise that not one single resident of this State will be given any less dignity and respect then the next person living, standing or inhabiting the house next door.
* The color of the persons' skin does not make the person; it's what's in their heart that does!
* What message are we sending to our fellow citizens if we say "do as I say, not as I do!"
* In order to be non-discriminating against any one group of people, we have to discriminate against everyone (i.e. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Supreme Court Justice).
* One of my college Professors once told me, "the only difference between the inmates and the guards is the bars." I believe that a few bad cops, make it harder for the good cops to do their job! But I also believe that a bad cop can not exist within an honest police department, unless at some higher level there's a serious problem going on! But this problem exists even at the very top of both State and Federal law enforcement organizations. Example, D.O.J. refused to even investigate the Clinton Foundations connection to Hillary's conduct at the State Department.
* Because I prescribe in what Justice Holmes said, I promise that not one single resident of this State will be given any less dignity and respect then the next person living, standing or inhabiting the house next door.
* The color of the persons' skin does not make the person; it's what's in their heart that does!
* I vehemently oppose the death penalty, primarily because people make mistakes; and only God can raise an individual from his/her grave. After all, no empirical data exists that remotely suggests that the death penalty deters the taking of a human life. Until we perfect the trial processes in our criminal justice system, I cannot in good conscience ratify taking a human life for the crime of murder. Besides, is a state sanctioned killing any different then an unsanctioned killing of another? Either way, we cannot bring anyone back to life; and if we get it wrong, haven’t we in essence wrongfully killed two people now?
* With the advent of DNA, more and more people on death row are proven to be not guilty of the crime they were convicted. How many hundreds, if not thousands of people has our country put to death wrongfully? I am one American who does not want to know the true answer to that question!
* With the advent of DNA, more and more people on death row are proven to be not guilty of the crime they were convicted. How many hundreds, if not thousands of people has our country put to death wrongfully? I am one American who does not want to know the true answer to that question!
* However, we do need our state infrastructure rebuilt.
* Our State Infrastructure is in dire need of rebuilding.
* We have an available man-power source we are not leveraging. We could use our non-violent prison and county jail populations to construct our bridges, roads and habitable structures necessary to improve our infrastructure and our way of life in general. Violent criminals would not be allowed out due to their being a danger to themselves and others.
* Not only does this solve a man-power problem, but we reeducate incarcerated individuals by teaching them a new trade, instilling in them self-confidence, job skills and tools to stay out of the criminal justice system.
* This can also noticeably reduce the final costs of construction project expenses across the continuum.
* Our State Infrastructure is in dire need of rebuilding.
* We have an available man-power source we are not leveraging. We could use our non-violent prison and county jail populations to construct our bridges, roads and habitable structures necessary to improve our infrastructure and our way of life in general. Violent criminals would not be allowed out due to their being a danger to themselves and others.
* Not only does this solve a man-power problem, but we reeducate incarcerated individuals by teaching them a new trade, instilling in them self-confidence, job skills and tools to stay out of the criminal justice system.
* This can also noticeably reduce the final costs of construction project expenses across the continuum.
* I believe that no-one should pay taxes on groceries, or hygiene necessities (i.e. clothes, soaps, amenities, etc.) . These things we need to survive on a day-to-day basis.
* We should be paying taxes on utilities, but it should be capped at 1.5%. These taxes must be used explicitly for rebuilding infrastructure projects, including, but not limited to gas, water, and power production resources.
* Alcohol, tobacco and gambling should be taxed even more.
* I will strive hard to repeal sales tax on all food and hygiene products within the entire State, including, but not limited to State, County, and Local governments.
* Of course, I will need every eligible voter to come out and vote for State legislature representatives who agree with this new plan.
* I seriously doubt that the State legislature as it now sits, will be inclined to go along with my new sales tax repeal plan.
* We should be paying taxes on utilities, but it should be capped at 1.5%. These taxes must be used explicitly for rebuilding infrastructure projects, including, but not limited to gas, water, and power production resources.
* Alcohol, tobacco and gambling should be taxed even more.
* I will strive hard to repeal sales tax on all food and hygiene products within the entire State, including, but not limited to State, County, and Local governments.
* Of course, I will need every eligible voter to come out and vote for State legislature representatives who agree with this new plan.
* I seriously doubt that the State legislature as it now sits, will be inclined to go along with my new sales tax repeal plan.
* I also believe that if you are old enough to work and pay income tax, you should also be allowed to vote on how these taxes are paid out. Moreover, if your old enough to vote, and pay income taxes, you should also be paid the same wages as any adult.
* Why should a persons' age be dispositive of how much they are entitled to be paid for their labor.
* As things are now, the legislature does not value the labor efforts of minor workers because they cannot vote. Not only is this misguided principles, but it's also unfair and prejudicial.
* This also applies to every man, woman and employed child 16 or older!
* Why should a persons' age be dispositive of how much they are entitled to be paid for their labor.
* As things are now, the legislature does not value the labor efforts of minor workers because they cannot vote. Not only is this misguided principles, but it's also unfair and prejudicial.
* This also applies to every man, woman and employed child 16 or older!
* We need to explore reusable energy sources.
* It’s nothing new, but why not use both free citizens and inmate labor to produce solar energy, wind, and thermal heat and cooling systems.
* We should be training non-violent inmates to learn usable skill sets, thus paying it forward; thus benefitting every resident of this state and expanding our foot print in our world markets.
* It’s nothing new, but why not use both free citizens and inmate labor to produce solar energy, wind, and thermal heat and cooling systems.
* We should be training non-violent inmates to learn usable skill sets, thus paying it forward; thus benefitting every resident of this state and expanding our foot print in our world markets.
* I believe in affordable health care for all resident citizens'. These programs should be reserved to the state. We are not talking about “Obama Care.” We are talking about truly affordable health care, with affordable premiums, little or no deductibles, and caps on hospital and doctors’ service costs. With tax incentives to providers who ratify these service caps. Of course we will have rights to opt out for those who wish to pay more for the same services.
* I propose that a state created public and privately funded burial insurance plan be created. Every citizen deserves the dignity of an affordable burial. A low cost premium, again with opt out rights will be set up to guarantee a dignified burial. Those who wish to set up their own final arrangements will be able to opt out. Everyone else participating in the policy plan will be assured their heirs won’t be burdened with their final expenses.
* I also believe the wheel tax should be repealed, and all motor vehicles should pass a multi-level safety inspection to ensure only sound, safe motor vehicles operate on our roads, highways, and interstate systems.
* I also believe that it’s time for a state income tax in South Dakota. Therefore, I pose a 15% flat tax without any refund on earned income.
* Regardless of how much you make, everyone pays the same tax percentage. This % can be adjusted if necessary to balance the fiscal budget.
* Of course this means that we must do a better job with what we have. But I believe it’s fair!
* Surpluses can be redirected to state, county and local districts as needed, or the % can be lowered accordingly after each fiscal budget is approved by the legislature. After all, government should try to balance the budget, not make a profit.
* Regardless of how much you make, everyone pays the same tax percentage. This % can be adjusted if necessary to balance the fiscal budget.
* Of course this means that we must do a better job with what we have. But I believe it’s fair!
* Surpluses can be redirected to state, county and local districts as needed, or the % can be lowered accordingly after each fiscal budget is approved by the legislature. After all, government should try to balance the budget, not make a profit.
* I adamantly believe no-one should have to pay property taxes once they payoff their mortgage.
* Real property owners living in their dwellings should be able to pay off their mortgages, and keep their homes safe from a tax foreclosure.
* If you work hard all your life, pay off your mortgage, you should not be forever charged by the tax assessor. Isn’t this one of the reasons why we revolted against King George in the first place?
* I propose a gradual lessening of accessed property tax value based on a amortization schedule.
* In other words, as your principle is reduced (e.g. P - E = APTV), so shall your assessed property tax values, accordingly.
* But bottom line, once you pay off your mortgage, you will no longer be assessed property taxes.
* I call it the Principle - Equity = Accessed Property Tax Value. ($200,000 (principle on day one of 30 year mortgage) - $100,000 (equity on year 15) = $100,000 (Balance of Principle @ ATV).
* I believe it is wrong that the tax assessor can foreclose on a hard working residents' property just because they fall on hard financial times, or catastrophic occurrences.
* I have talked to South Dakota residents' who can't afford to retire due to fear of having to sell their homestead just because they cannot afford to pay property taxes on a retirement income. I call this the property tax mouse trap! This is simply wrong!
* All real property owners' who actually reside in their dwellings will be exempt from assessed property taxes if their mortgages are paid in full. This law is also applicable to farm owners, but only for the land on which the house and out buildings sit. All agricultural/plowable acres would be taxed at the current assessed values.
* This is also true of commercial real property not inhabited by the actual property owners'.
* Real property owners living in their dwellings should be able to pay off their mortgages, and keep their homes safe from a tax foreclosure.
* If you work hard all your life, pay off your mortgage, you should not be forever charged by the tax assessor. Isn’t this one of the reasons why we revolted against King George in the first place?
* I propose a gradual lessening of accessed property tax value based on a amortization schedule.
* In other words, as your principle is reduced (e.g. P - E = APTV), so shall your assessed property tax values, accordingly.
* But bottom line, once you pay off your mortgage, you will no longer be assessed property taxes.
* I call it the Principle - Equity = Accessed Property Tax Value. ($200,000 (principle on day one of 30 year mortgage) - $100,000 (equity on year 15) = $100,000 (Balance of Principle @ ATV).
* I believe it is wrong that the tax assessor can foreclose on a hard working residents' property just because they fall on hard financial times, or catastrophic occurrences.
* I have talked to South Dakota residents' who can't afford to retire due to fear of having to sell their homestead just because they cannot afford to pay property taxes on a retirement income. I call this the property tax mouse trap! This is simply wrong!
* All real property owners' who actually reside in their dwellings will be exempt from assessed property taxes if their mortgages are paid in full. This law is also applicable to farm owners, but only for the land on which the house and out buildings sit. All agricultural/plowable acres would be taxed at the current assessed values.
* This is also true of commercial real property not inhabited by the actual property owners'.
* I vehemently believe that our Worker's Compensation System is broken and it needs to be over hauled dramatically!
* First, I will propose a Bill to take back the statutory process from private insurance companies and place the control of the entire program under the South Dakota State Department of Labor. The D.O.L. will be held accountable by the office of the Governor and the State's Attorney General's office! The State's Attorney's Office will oversee the adjudication processes at all stages!
* When a treating physician supports an applicant's claim for workers compensation because of a job related injury, no one, other then the original treating physician, shall be allowed to take the injured employee's compensation benefits away without first petitioning the D.O.L. for a full adjudication on the merits of the individual claim! This Bill also extends coverage to Farm Workers' who have been left out historically!
* Compensation will be awarded if supported by a licensed physician at the employee's full Gross earnings, without consideration of taxable income! Coverages include any and all medical and prescription recommendations by the treating physicians'!
* State Income tax will be deducted from each weeks benefit check issued by the State Department of Labor!
* I support this Bill because injured employee's have enough to worry about without losing their benefits by private insurance company's who think of nothing but their bottom lines!
* This new law will even the playing field and protect every workers' due process rights! Our Constitution says, paraphrasing, "we cannot be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process!" Workers compensation benefits constitute a property right interest and therefore, cannot be denied without due process!
* Too many times, insurance companies ignore treating physicians advise and send injured employee's to IME doctors, which almost always result in the termination of comp benefits without due process!
* Fast tracking these claims to full adjudication under the D.O.L. will insure fairness and equitable and amicable treatment under the law!
* The rules of evidence will fully apply!
* Compulsory attendance by all participants' will be mandatory at all stages of the claim!
* Only disinterested ALJ's will officiate these hearings! No D.O.L. employee's or interested attorney's will be utilized!
* Either party to the individual claim may petition the D.O.L. for redress of contested issues, following standard notice requirements!
* The decision of the D.O.L. is binding on all parties, unless appealed to District Court immediately within 10 business days of a decision!
* First, I will propose a Bill to take back the statutory process from private insurance companies and place the control of the entire program under the South Dakota State Department of Labor. The D.O.L. will be held accountable by the office of the Governor and the State's Attorney General's office! The State's Attorney's Office will oversee the adjudication processes at all stages!
* When a treating physician supports an applicant's claim for workers compensation because of a job related injury, no one, other then the original treating physician, shall be allowed to take the injured employee's compensation benefits away without first petitioning the D.O.L. for a full adjudication on the merits of the individual claim! This Bill also extends coverage to Farm Workers' who have been left out historically!
* Compensation will be awarded if supported by a licensed physician at the employee's full Gross earnings, without consideration of taxable income! Coverages include any and all medical and prescription recommendations by the treating physicians'!
* State Income tax will be deducted from each weeks benefit check issued by the State Department of Labor!
* I support this Bill because injured employee's have enough to worry about without losing their benefits by private insurance company's who think of nothing but their bottom lines!
* This new law will even the playing field and protect every workers' due process rights! Our Constitution says, paraphrasing, "we cannot be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process!" Workers compensation benefits constitute a property right interest and therefore, cannot be denied without due process!
* Too many times, insurance companies ignore treating physicians advise and send injured employee's to IME doctors, which almost always result in the termination of comp benefits without due process!
* Fast tracking these claims to full adjudication under the D.O.L. will insure fairness and equitable and amicable treatment under the law!
* The rules of evidence will fully apply!
* Compulsory attendance by all participants' will be mandatory at all stages of the claim!
* Only disinterested ALJ's will officiate these hearings! No D.O.L. employee's or interested attorney's will be utilized!
* Either party to the individual claim may petition the D.O.L. for redress of contested issues, following standard notice requirements!
* The decision of the D.O.L. is binding on all parties, unless appealed to District Court immediately within 10 business days of a decision!
* I don't propose that we have all the answers, but it’s time to start doing things a little differently.
* A government can be small and very effective at the same time.
* It should also impose as little on the people as possible.
* The trade off here is a 15% flat rate income tax, with no refunds. Your employer takes the tax out and pays it into the general fund. No one will have to file a State income tax return.
* You also will get credit for the State income taxes off of your federal income tax liability.
* In return for a State income tax I propose a repeal of sales tax on groceries, hygiene necessities, and utilities (e.g. capped at 1.5%); and an overhaul of property tax assessments. The liability to pay for other social needs should not be imposed on the real property owners, but rather it should be paid by individual choice and necessity.
* This property tax plan does not prohibit local governments imposing property taxes; it just regulates how much and how long such taxes will be allowed to be assessed. Any real property owner, who lives in the dwelling will be granted immunity from property taxes as long as they pay off their mortgage, and do not refinance/remortgage their real property.
* If the real property owner should choose to refinance, then they would be subject to the tax assessment laws of this state.
* Moreover, any real property inherited by heirs shall be exempt from both inheritance tax and property taxes, as long as the mortgage is paid off and they do not refinance the property.
* I too believe that this new property tax assessment plan will stimulate new housing development; and generate more first time home buyers, thus renewing the property tax base available.
* Moreover, the gradual decrease under the P - E = APTV formula will not deprive local governments of necessary funding for schools, or programs normally funded with property tax dollars because it is gradually reduced by this formula and other tax funds may be made available from the State General Tax Fund.
* The same is true for the repeal of Sales Tax revenue. The State Income Tax will more then accomadate any deficiencies. Our goal is to adjust the State Income Tax Flat Rate to less then 10% within the first 4 years. We could realize a Flat Tax Rate as low as 7.5% to 9%!
* A government can be small and very effective at the same time.
* It should also impose as little on the people as possible.
* The trade off here is a 15% flat rate income tax, with no refunds. Your employer takes the tax out and pays it into the general fund. No one will have to file a State income tax return.
* You also will get credit for the State income taxes off of your federal income tax liability.
* In return for a State income tax I propose a repeal of sales tax on groceries, hygiene necessities, and utilities (e.g. capped at 1.5%); and an overhaul of property tax assessments. The liability to pay for other social needs should not be imposed on the real property owners, but rather it should be paid by individual choice and necessity.
* This property tax plan does not prohibit local governments imposing property taxes; it just regulates how much and how long such taxes will be allowed to be assessed. Any real property owner, who lives in the dwelling will be granted immunity from property taxes as long as they pay off their mortgage, and do not refinance/remortgage their real property.
* If the real property owner should choose to refinance, then they would be subject to the tax assessment laws of this state.
* Moreover, any real property inherited by heirs shall be exempt from both inheritance tax and property taxes, as long as the mortgage is paid off and they do not refinance the property.
* I too believe that this new property tax assessment plan will stimulate new housing development; and generate more first time home buyers, thus renewing the property tax base available.
* Moreover, the gradual decrease under the P - E = APTV formula will not deprive local governments of necessary funding for schools, or programs normally funded with property tax dollars because it is gradually reduced by this formula and other tax funds may be made available from the State General Tax Fund.
* The same is true for the repeal of Sales Tax revenue. The State Income Tax will more then accomadate any deficiencies. Our goal is to adjust the State Income Tax Flat Rate to less then 10% within the first 4 years. We could realize a Flat Tax Rate as low as 7.5% to 9%!
The Campaign to Elect Dr. Terry Lee LaFleur
826 N. Harrington Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Our Campaign Is Asking All Contributors to donate $45!
I do not answer to any special interest group(s)!
The People of South Dakota are my only concern!
Only Legal Donations Allowed.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT WEEBLY CONCERNING THIS WEBSITE! CONTACT ME AT: tlafleur2@hotmail.com;
or
(605) 413-0274
