Judge won’t muzzle tax measure foes
BISMARCK (AP) — A judge says he won’t order opponents of a property tax measure to stop making statements that the measure’s supporters say are misleading.
The measure is on the June primary ballot. It is a constitutional amendment that would abolish property taxes.
The amendment’s backers are suing Tax Commissioner Cory Fong and several other public officials and groups.
They say Fong and the others are scaring voters by making false statements about the measure’s possible impact.
Their lawsuit asks for an immediate, temporary court order telling them to stop making misleading statements.
South Central District Judge Bruce Romanick denied the request Tuesday.
Romanick said the lawsuit didn’t provide any sworn statements to back up its allegations. He said those statements are needed to get a temporary restraining order.