By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015) — The Founding Fathers wisely built into the framework of governance a separation of church and state. Having seen what centuries of corrupt Prelate Power did to Europe, they didn’t want religion to have institutional claim over the fledgling nation.

That prescient decision wasn’t meant to be one directional, a weak argument offered by those who wish no such separation. These revisionists claim the constitutional provision exists only to prevent religion from temporal rulers. That much is true, but the provision also works the other way, to keep priests, clerics, pastors and the like out of the affairs of government.

Another false “argument” offered by “churchists” refers to constitutional language. Nowhere, they correctly point out, does the Constitution employ the phrase “separation of church and state.” This line of attack is easily defeated. First, constitutional language is about “legislative intent” and not about parsing words, especially those not there. What do the words mean? That is the question. Second, we can also point out that the phrases “separation of power” and “checks and balances” similarly do not find a place in the Constitution, “but no one would aregue that the concepts are not there, embodied in numerous provisions” (scienceblogs.com, 12-5-2003).

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Victory Is Sometimes a Lien Thing

This leads us to the tax position of the Victory Temple Church of God in Pittsfield. The church owes the city $22,433 in back taxes. Tax-exempt status doesn’t arrive automatically to any church. It’s not baby Moses in a reed basket, or Charlton Heston for that matter, washing up on the shores of the Nile, unsought. A prior church on the site did not obtain non-profit status. Before that, a deli at that location rendered unto Caesar.

Victory Temple applied for and received 501(c3) license, given to corporations as a means of legally avoiding taxes. Where, then, do the tax bills originate? The city says they are for unpaid water and sewer fees going back 35 years, accumulating interest. Non-profits may get off from paying property taxes, but they must pay for water, just like you do. You try ducking your water and sewer levies for more than a generation. You will soon join the drunks in a chorus of, “How dry I am.”

The city, seeing a large chuck of money fairly owed, has gone after it. Bravo.

THE PLANET sides with the city on this one, and we give full credit to Mayor Dan Bianchi not just in this case but in his pursuit of unpaid tax bills. This is the Dan Bianchi we knew and loved for his 10-year tenure as councilor in Ward 6, and it’s a welcome sign of life from the corner office. Perhaps there will be more to come?

The city is willing to work with the church on a repayment plan if the Victory can pay 1/4 ($5,608) as a deposit. That is more than fair. The co-pastors of the church, Charles and Missy Pratt, have begun an online appeal for donations. That is to their credit. However, calls for Pittsfield to excuse the church from the bill are naive and fraught with misplaced do-gooding.

THE PLANET gives Bianchi full credit for his handing of a long-ignored source of revenue. Tax deadbeats have for far too long escaped unharmed in Pittsfield, and his actions have at least recouped some of the money.

Delinquent tax “payers” have cost the city about $10 million. Think about that, Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski, as you work hard and even go without to remain current on your levy obligations, being the decent people you are.

Municipal debts in arrears can be pursued directly or sold in auction to collectors, who then can try to collect the full amount plus interest or foreclose on properties, taking legal ownership. To date, according to the mayor’s office, the liens to 290 delinquent properties have been sold, recouping $1,146,807 for taxpayers. The next such auction is slated for May 26. The city website has details.

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For those who wish to help out, donations can be sent to Victory Temple Church, PO Box 1521, Pittsfield, MA, 01202. The church phone number is 413-496-8207. You can also visit the GoFundMe.com page.

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“Home is where the hurt is. Pull the strings on your changing heart. Shadows running in your backyard. Home is where the hurt is.” — Nils Lofgren, (1977).

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.