The Power of Persistence: A Community's Fight Against Tax Increases

In a captivating new episode of *American Potential*, host Jeff Crank welcomes Resa Camoriano, an extraordinary citizen who took a stand against a significant property tax increase in her local school district. Fueled by a desire for greater transparency and accountability, Resa spearheaded a movement that not only challenged the status quo but also inspired legislative change. With over 38,000 signatures gathered on a petition to demand a vote on the tax increase, Resa's campaign faced fierce opposition from the school board and the teachers' union, leading to a high-stakes legal battle. Despite the court ruling against her group, the spotlight on the issue prompted the legislature to lower the signature threshold for future petitions and consider a bill necessitating voter approval for substantial tax hikes. Resa's story is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the impact determined individuals can have on the governance of their communities. Join us as Resa shares her journey, from the strategic collection of signatures during the peak of the pandemic to navigating the complexities of legal challenges, and ultimately, to her ongoing advocacy for citizen involvement in democratic processes. Through her beekeeping anecdotes and reflections on the lawsuit's outcomes, Resa's insights offer a compelling narrative of resilience, community mobilization, and the drive to effectuate meaningful change. Check out Voice of the Artic here: https://voiceofthearcticinupiat.org Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com Check out our Spanish episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanPotentialPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanpotentialpodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/AMPotentialPod