Taxes are important and have made Massachusetts one of the best states to live in throughout the entire country. However, how governments tax their constituents and where that money goes is also important.
The local government has decided that the recent stormwater runoff fee of 2014 and the overrides of $2 million in 2009 and $2.5 million in 2013, coupled with a more recent sizeable marijuana tax income, isn’t enough.
Northampton prides itself on being a stop-big-government-spending-waste kind of place, but yet still entertains the thought of another override. How about this: Start thinking about the elderly that this override could and will be devastating to. People who will have to choose between heat or taxes? Food or taxes?
Northampton also prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming city, but longtime residents are continuously being priced out. This override has the potential to drive out the ones remaining.
We will be looking at a city that resembles a gated community. My children are the fourth generation in the family homestead and yet we are barely holding onto our house. Our tax bill keeps going disproportionately up. We work hard and cut unnecessary expenses and make sacrifices to pay our bills.
I say let the local government tighten up their own belts and work a little harder. I can assure you that they will figure out a way to stay on budget without further punishing the citizens who are barely making ends meet already. I love my town but enough is enough.
I surely hope that the good people of Northampton show compassion in the upcoming balloting to not only stop this ridiculous burden, but overwhelmingly shoot it down. That would send a clear message that we live within our budgets, and so should the local government.
Brian Donovan
Northampton