Gov. Tim Pawlenty wants a cap on property taxes before he will negotiate on a bill for the general state budget.

This is almost laughable because it comes from a governor who has made limiting property taxes his trademark; meanwhile, every taxpayer in the state jokes about how they are only paying more in fees, charges and surcharges for every little interaction with government.

Our suggestion to the DFLers at the State Capitol: Don&8217;t give in to Pawlenty. He&8217;s only trying to play his worn-out shell game. It&8217;s more equitable to pay property taxes upfront &8212; because the people with more property pay more &8212; than it is to charge users every time they need a service.