I am a former longtime resident of Florence and Easthampton, and have been following the news about the upcoming Proposition 2½ override vote in Easthampton on June 9. I know that increased property taxes, while oftentimes necessary to maintain adequate city services, can be a real financial hardship for those with limited income and resources. That’s why I was so encouraged by the excellent May 30 article by Gazette reporter Sam Ferland describing the tax relief funds being proposed by Mayor Salem Derby.
The city can ill afford to lose the anticipated 40 employees, many working in the schools, who would face layoffs. At the same time, there are city residents who would really struggle to manage an increased tax burden. The mayor’s proposal to solicit voluntary contributions to assist those residents is inspiring, and shows the good that government can do. I strongly encourage the residents of Easthampton to get behind your mayor on this.
David Katz
Yonkers, New York