"Where was the Mayor on this issue during the legislative session?  He had the chance to voice his concern but stood silently while Speaker Bauer and House Democrats allowed property taxes to skyrocket and offered an ill-conceived rebate scheme that only gives partial relief some six months later.  Only now when the crisis is at his doorstep does the Mayor choose to speak up.

"House Republicans were the only group that called for immediate property tax relief to the tune of $700 million over the biennium.  Our plan would have resulted in the normal statewide average increase of only 5 percent but House Democrats chose to ignore the impending crisis.

"We need leadership now, but we also needed it two months ago when House Republicans put forth a plan to avert this crisis only to be ignored by Speaker Bauer and the Democrat House majority.  I wish Mayor Peterson would have reached across party lines during the legislative session.  Speaker Bauer has touted their response to the property tax crisis as a huge legislative success.  It seems that discussions should begin with the Mayor and the Speaker of the House. 

"We will continue to offer leadership on this issue and will study all possible courses of action."