IT IS TIME TO HOLD THE LINE ON TAXES


Well, it is coming down to the wire for the Enfield Town Council to set the 2007-2008 budget. The big question is what will the new Mill Rate be and how much of an increase the taxpayers of Enfield will have to pay.

Over the past few months the Council has met with Department heads to gain information about their current and future needs. The School Board has also worked to gather information in setting the financial goals for the School District.

Last Wednesday night was the Public Hearing where average citizens have the opportunity to voice their concerns about the ever-increasing taxes on properties in Enfield.

The auditorium at John F. Kennedy Middle School was filled with people like you and me who wanted their chance to share ideas, challenge the system, and vent their frustrations. This is how it works. The Council sits in front of the crowd, and residents one by one speak at a microphone in an attempt to get their message heard. There is no dialog or immediate answers just a chance to share their two cents.

My impression of this process is that it seems futile.

During campaign season candidates running for Public Office have what is called “Meet and Greets.” This is where people, like you, can come and hold a conversation with any candidate you want to express an opinion.

The benefit of this setting is that you don’t just speak you get an immediate response. It’s called “Dialog” and it is a better format for truly communicating with leaders of our community.

The format at public hearings is out of date. The average resident comes to these meetings in hopes of going home with a sense of accomplishment but actually leave with an empty feeling.

My thinking is that instead of having this “Public Hearing” in the massive auditorium, it would be more effective to have this event set up the same way the “Meet and Greets” are held.

People could talk face to face with their elected officials. The Council members could discuss their views and explain their thinking about the budget. People would have a better chance of stating their case and leave the forum with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

There also would be accountability.

When there is no dialog and leaders don’t have to make statements or answer questions there is really no way to hold them accountable.

Okay, I will stop venting about the process held last week and move on to my view about taxes in Enfield.

Taxes are just too high and you the residents of Enfield deserve a change. In the past month I have talked to hundred of homeowners, many who are senior citizens on a fixed income, who are fed up with the increasing of their taxes. Many are considering whether to stay in Enfield or re-locate to another town that has a lower Mill Rate.

There is only one way that is available to town leaders to ease the tax burden and that is to cut spending. Yes, this means sacrifice but it has to be done. Unless spending is reduced in Enfield many of you will see anywhere from a 15% increase and some may see up to a 40% increase in your taxes.

Re-evaluation has hit Enfield hard. It has sent a shock wave through our community and people are actually fearful of their next tax bill.

So what do you do now? How do you get your message across to your elected officials on how you feel about your tax burden? Simply, contact them today. I have included email contact information for the leaders of each party on Town Council. The majority leader is Democrat Pat Tallarita, who serves as Mayor of Enfield. His email address is ptallarita@enfield.org. On the Republican side is Minority leader Scott Kaupin and his email address is skaupin@enfield.org.

I chose to list only these two men because they can communicate what you express in your email to their respective Parties.

Both these men are good men and I believe truly want to hear from you. So send them an email and share your thoughts, ideas, and even frustration about your taxes.

It's your town. It's your money. Take them both back!