Property Rights, Parental Rights, and the Power of Civic Engagement

On September 18, 2023, Kim Monson examines the interconnected themes of parental rights in education, property rights, and civic engagement. Fresh from receiving the American Patriot Award at Grand Lake Constitution Week, Kim welcomes Liberty Toastmasters co-founder Brad Beck to discuss citizen involvement, Jefferson County School Board candidate Dr. Thomas Wicke on education accountability, and sponsors Karen Levine and Lorne Levy for a robust discussion on property taxes and housing affordability.

Parental Rights and Education Accountability in Jefferson County

Start listening at 20:39 – Hour 1

Dr. Thomas Wicke discusses his candidacy for Jefferson County School Board. As president of a healthcare college in Aurora with three children in Jefferson County schools, Wicke brings both professional expertise and personal investment to the race. He highlights alarming statistics showing only 48% of third graders achieving state minimums in reading and just 30% of sixth graders meeting math standards.

Wicke outlines his three-platform approach: trust through transparent communication, fiscal integrity, and educational excellence. He emphasizes that Jefferson County faces a projected $30 million budget shortfall by 2026 while families continue to leave the district due to declining confidence in the system.

“The relationship between a parent and a child is sacred. There is nothing that should absolutely pretend or try or feign coming in between those two people.”

– Dr. Thomas Wicke, Jefferson County School Board Candidate

Wicke addresses the importance of classroom transparency, urging parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education. He notes that any hesitation from schools to welcome parent participation should be treated as a red flag requiring immediate attention.

The Power of Civic Engagement and Constitutional Principles

Start listening at 01:23 – Hour 1

Brad Beck, co-founder of Liberty Toastmasters, discusses the importance of citizen involvement in governance. The conversation ranges from the significance of Constitution Week, where Kim received the American Patriot Award, to the remarkable story of Gregory Watson, who single-handedly achieved ratification of the 27th Amendment over a decade of persistent effort.

Beck emphasizes that Americans have abdicated their responsibilities as citizens, too often believing that voting alone fulfills their civic duty. He challenges listeners to become actively engaged in local government, school boards, and community organizations rather than leaving governance entirely to elected representatives.

“We’re going to lose this thing. It’s going to rot from the inside if we don’t start standing up and making a difference. And we have to get involved in one little aspect. One thing.”

– Brad Beck, Co-founder of Liberty Toastmasters

The discussion touches on the proper use of language in governance, with Kim noting the importance of referring to elected individuals as “representatives” rather than “officials” to reinforce that they work for the people, not the other way around.

Property Taxes, Housing Affordability, and Proposition HH

Start listening at 59:40 – Hour 2

Karen Levine, a RE/MAX Alliance realtor with nearly 30 years of experience, discusses rising property taxes and housing affordability. She challenges the notion that people will be “taxed out of their homes,” noting that appreciation benefits homeowners and that historically low mortgage rates have offset some tax increases for many property owners.

However, Levine expresses concern about fixed-income seniors facing potential 40-60% increases in property taxes. The discussion turns critical of Proposition HH, with Levine stating unequivocally that it is not a healthy way to address property tax concerns. She and Kim explore how construction defect legislation has prevented condominium development for over a decade, severely limiting housing supply and first-time homebuyer opportunities.

“As we take away choice and impose regulation, costs are going to go up.”

– Karen Levine, RE/MAX Alliance Realtor

Mortgage Solutions and Housing Market Dynamics

Start listening at 60:29 – Hour 2

Lorne Levy, mortgage expert with Polygon Financial Group, addresses options for homeowners feeling financial pressure. He explains how blending high-interest credit card debt into a mortgage refinance can provide relief despite higher interest rates, and discusses how reverse mortgages offer solutions for seniors wanting to age in place while accessing home equity.

Levy and Levine explore the interconnected challenges of the housing market, noting that even homeowners with increased property values often cannot move because they have nowhere to go due to supply constraints. The conversation highlights how policy decisions around construction defects, affordable housing mandates, and solar panel requirements all contribute to higher housing costs.

“They have increased value in their property. They would consider selling, except they have nowhere to go, which ends up being the problem of supply and demand in the housing market.”

– Lorne Levy, Polygon Financial Group