This was to be a very different letter, but after reading some of the “yes” on override arguments, I’m just raging mad!
How dare we let our children go without a proper education. Obviously, “no” voters hate kids. How dare we not fund the tree planting program? Well gee, I hate nature just as much, plus I want New England to be warmer in the winter.
Unabating tax and fee increases, Northampton’s third override, a new stormwater fee, the Community Preservation Act, increased sewer and water rates, and more. City officials will always provide justification for why they need more. It’s just $20 a month — what a farce! That’s a salesmen’s pitch to “get you to buy.” Add them together and it’s hundreds more a year.
To the mayor, city councilors and others who push their agenda on residents, I say how dare you. You use fear to get everything you want. I am sick and tired of the justified manipulation of words. If you have the money, you obviously do it, and if you don’t, too bad!
The city has too much energy into “selling us” these justifications. Put this much energy into solving homelessness, drug treatment education or the “business crisis” downtown.
The reality is that we are going to have to endure some discomfort and belt-tightening, like the normal families you extort from routinely.
As a stated “sanctuary city,” I am ever disgusted by the double standard that we encourage and support people in need to come live here and start their new lives, and yet know of no concerted effort to support any local or other transplanted families from being forced to leave due to financial stress. Yes, we hate immigrants too!
I have routinely seen an exodus each and every year of families, many of them multigenerational residents who helped build and shape this city you love.
Hypocrisy. Many feel better about their world view than by helping their less fortunate neighbor (too bad for us). Wouldn’t you just love me to sell my 108 year old, fourth generation family home and move in more worthy immigrants, so you can feel better about yourselves.
White man talks out of both sides of his mouth. I think the original Americans said it best!
Joseph Cadette
Northampton