Missouri man pushes property tax repeal for 2012 ballot

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A suburban St. Louis man wants to ask Missouri voters to repeal the state's tax on such personal property as cars and boats.

Richard La Violette has formed a campaign committee called "Team 2012" to get the repeal on the November 2012 ballot.

So far, La Violette is the only one on his team. But the banker from Fenton says he's starting early so he can raise enough money to hire professional signature gatherers and form a coalition to support the potential ballot initiative.

Personal property taxes help fund public schools and local governments.

La Violette says the taxes are a nuisance and governments could find some other way to supplement their budgets if his proposed tax cut passes.