Belchertown officials speak out against Question 1

Daily Hampshire Gazette Friday, September 26, 2008

BELCHERTOWN - A catastrophic reduction in services could be in store for the residents of Belchertown if state Ballot Question 1 passes in November, members of the Board of Selectmen said this week.

Question 1 would eliminate the state income tax, which accounts for about 40 percent of overall state revenues, a total of $13-to-$14 billion annually, said Michael Reardon, selectmen's chairman. The town depends on state aid for about half of its approximately $40 million annual budget and could see a reduction in the neighborhood of $7 million to $8 million, he said.

"This is a binding resolution," Reardon said. Six years ago a similar ballot question garnered 45 percent of the vote, he said.

"It could mean that people die without ambulances, without police," said Reardon.

All members of the board spoke of dire consequences associated with passage of the question.

"Fire, police, DPW, Senior Center, they will all be reduced," said Ronald Aponte. And because the town has to fund certain services to levels specified by law, such as schools and veterans benefits, the impact on other departments would be proportionally higher, he said.

Cuts in services would likely result in different groups pushing for Proposition 2 ½ overrides to fund services they want and engender special interest groups, said Aponte. Property tax increases would hit some people who are unable to afford them, such as senior citizens on fixed incomes, he said..

"Be careful what you ask for because you might get it," he said. "I just see this as dangerous and I urge everyone to think this through."

The board directed Town Administrator Gary Brougham to have department heads prepare contingency budgets in case the question passes.

Those plans will be discussed at the board's Oct. 20 meeting.

South Hadley No on 1 Coalition meeting notes

South Hadley No on 1 Coalition Meeting
September 3, 2008

Sarah’s Notes

In attendance: Marion Canning, Jim Canning, Ann Eaton, France Abrams, Robert Abrams, Gary Steigerwalt, Kate Bedard, Bill Foley, Win Lavallee, Peg Lavallee, Robert Salthouse, Bobbie Salthouse, John Scibak, Bob Judge, Brenda Mathieu, Ellen Cohen-Mehlhorn, Skip Jodoin, Margaret Jodoin, Michael Rosner, Donald Marshall, Beth Reidel, Nate Therien, Susan Newton, Sarah Etelman, Pam Schwartz

• If this question passes, 40% of the state budget would be eliminated, and would go into effect January 1, 2009
• There was a similar question on the ballot 6 years ago, and it got 45% of the vote
• The average “back in pocket” would be $3,700
• Voters will be ID’ed with the “vote no pledge card”
o Name and street address are needed
o We’ll build a pipeline to drop off and gather the cards
o Can go online and fill out the pledge cards or fill out paper cards
• Kickoff meetings/public moments will be happening:
o 9/16: Amherst/UMass @ noon
o 9/17: Northampton @ 5:30 PM
o 9/18: Pittsfield
o 9/23: Springfield @ 5:30 PM
o 9/25: Greenfield
• In October, focus will be on phone banks, canvassing, visibilities (sign holding)
• The “yes” vote is being sponsored by Carla Howell, a Libertarian

In South Hadley:

• Columbus Day point person: Kate Bedard
• PTO point person: John Scibak (see below for update)
• Council on Aging/Newton Manor/Loomis Village point person: (TBD – Win Lavallee to contact Linda Young)
• Fire Districts point person: Kate Bedard
• Police point person: Bob Judge (will wait for contact from police first)
• Cable access/channel 15 point person: (TBD – Ann Eaton to contact Connie Clancy)
• Election Day sign-holding coordinator: Gary Steigerwalt
• Lawn sign coordinator: John Scibak
• Data entry: Ann Eaton
• South Hadley general coordination: Sarah Etelman
• Regional coordination: Pam Schwartz

Don’t forget to post at http://southhadleyagainstquestionone.blogspot.com/

Update from John Scibak re: PTOs

The first Open Houses are 9/10, 9/11, 9/17, 9/18, and 9/24
Gus (school superintendant) has agreed to us having a table in the lobby to hand out fact sheets/pledge cards to the parents and teachers (about 700 students at the middle school, and about 80% parent turnout is expected)

Karen Walsh Pio says "No" to Question One

I am a believer that you get what you pay for. The income tax funds much-needed services to cities and towns in Massachusetts and I think it would be both short-sighted and foolhardy to eliminate it. Massachusetts offers its citizens wonderful communities in which to live, raise children, and grow old. Our quality of life is excellent but it doesn't come for free. I hope people take a moment to think about everything they would lose in basic community support and safety, education and town services. There just wouldn't be any money~ 40% of the Commonwealth's budget would be gone. I'm voting against it.

Karen Walsh Pio

Why Judy Van Handle will vote "No" on Question One

We have so much to be grateful for as Massachusetts residents -- a wonderful mix of the mountains and the ocean, terrific private and public schools, one of the world's cutting-edge centers of medical research and a legislature and governor that have stood up and ensured equality for all of its residents. Thus, it would be foolhardy for anyone to vote in favor of eliminating the state income tax. Of all our taxes, the state tax is the least onerous and most beneficial. I can only shudder to think what would happen if it were abolished. Talk to any New Hampshire resident about their astronomic property taxes. Does anyone really think that would not happen here, with similar dire results? By voting no on Question One, you would be making sure that our state -- and municipalities -- would continue to receive the money needed to maintain services. Why tamper with a proven formula? Make sure Massachusetts remains the best state in the nation by voting no on Question One.

Suzanne Cordes of S. Hadley will vote NO on Question #1

Hi Bob-

I will DEFINITELY being voting NO on Question #1 - without a doubt! I cannot be there on Sept. 3rd but I will get the word out to friends. Thanks for keeping me informed.

Suzanne

Linda Young of South Hadley will vote against Question One

"I am opposed to eliminating the state income tax." - Linda Young, S. Hadley

The Rev. Lori Souder of S. Hadley opposes Question One

I agree how it's a more than a lousy idea---would place us all into a tailspin...my thoughts are with you... This makes me think of AZ, how Sun City does not have any schools or youth...or school tax...MA would become a larger Sun City with senior citizens traveling around in golf carts. Thanks for notifying me friends. Lori