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NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — TheDailyNorthborough.com accepts signed letters to the editor. Letters may be e-mailed to bmatthew@mainstreetconnect.us.
To the editor,
When I first ran for election, my platform was communication between the town, schools, boards and commissions; to attract business to Northborough to help offset our tax base by developing a smart future plan; being fiscally responsible and making sure our town government is transparent.
During my three terms as selectman, the communication between the board, the school superintendent and the Northborough K-8 and Northborough-Southborough Regional School Committees has transformed into a positive working atmosphere in a relationship of trust where we work together as a team to find solutions to difficult problems compounded by these tough economic times.
In the last few years, we have created a business friendly community by streamlining the application process, which has made it easier for new business and growth to come to Northborough; i.e. Avalon Bay, A. Dui Pyle Trucking, Genzyme Corporation, Northborough Crossing, National Grid and the newest FedEx Distribution Center.
The Board of Selectmen has worked tirelessly at being fiscally responsible. Through our hard work and the help of our town administrator and town staff, we were able to rework our town employee and retiree health insurance programs and save $400,000 in taxpayer money. We have increased growth and, in turn, increased revenues. In Fiscal Year 2011, the average tax bill decreased $20.00; in Fiscal Year 2012, it increased $143.00. The projected increase for Fiscal Year 2013 is $193, which is just an estimate and subject to change. Many of our surrounding communities have experienced much higher increases.
I believe the Board of Selectmen and how it does business has become very transparent. Our decisions and policies are thoroughly researched and discussed; and, ultimately, I feel we make the right choices for our community as a whole. Our budget has won the Distinguished Budget Award two years in a row by meeting the stringent program criteria of the Government Finance Officers Association as a policy document, an operations guide, a financial plan and a communications device. This budget document (available on the town website) has further enhanced the transparency of our local government.
When I first ran for Selectman, I promised to work hard as your representative on the Board and to direct our community in the right direction. I feel I have kept and continue to keep that promise and would like to continue to serve you and our community as your Selectman. I ask for your support on Monday, May 14, 2012.
-William Pantazis, Candidate for re-election, Northborough Board of Selectmen.
Comments (1)
BOS Candidate Pantazis' comments on controlling Property Taxes are deficient. He ignores the discussing the poor control of Property Taxes by the BOS. Why?
Here's a recounting of reality, not mythology, on the unsatisfactory fiscal control by the BOS for FY13:
$1.8Mil New Tax Revenue from Avalon Bay + Northboro Crossing...and, no reduction to Residential Taxes. Why?
$950K New Tax Revenue - an increase for legally allowable rise in Prop 2.5% Max Tax Levy Limit - rather than not undertaking such an increase so as to reduce Property Taxes. Why?
$607K expected New Tax Revenue from new growth....and, no reduction to Residential Taxes. Why?
$706K New Tax Revenue from the use of surplus past year taxes left over from Colburn St Contamination Cleanup project...and, not returned to taxpayers to reduce Property Taxes, instead allowed for More govt spending. Why?
$190K New Tax Revenue from the use of surplus past year taxes left over from the Water Tower Improvements project...and, not returned to taxpayers to reduce Property Taxes, instead allowed for More govt spending. Why?
$740 New Tax Revenue by taking monies accumulated in "Free Cash" and allowing the Town to spend it all....and, no reduction to Residential Taxes. Why?
$1Mil New Tax Revenue from the new additive Property Taxes for Homeowners, despite all the above new Revenues for FY13. Why?
SUMMARY - When one analyzes these above identified FY13 New Revenues sources of +$6Mil and compares this increase of $6Mil in Revenues to the Total Revenues for FY12 the result is a most unjustifiable increase of +12% in new revenues. While none of these New FY13 Revenues were applied to reduce Property Taxes. Why?
Why? Because the citizens' Town governance boards/committees failed to carry out their responsibilities to control unacceptable Town govt spending, thus resulting in economic hardships on Northboro families during this Great Recession.
Finally, Vote on May 14, 2012: ... apply your economic common sense when voting for positive reality changes, and not fiscal mythology, in the Election for the two Board of Selectmen seats on May 14, 2013. Time for a change.