South Hadley Selectboard votes to oppose Question One

At its October 21 meeting, the South Hadley Selectboard voted to oppose Question One.

Board divided on Question 1 recommendation

Board divided on Question 1 recommendation
By STEPHEN C. HILL
Staff Writer

Saturday, October 25, 2008
While no members of the Board of Selectmen expressed support for the Nov. 4
ballot Question 1, which seeks to eliminate the state income tax, the board
was split when it came time to take a stand on the issue.

The board voted three to two to express its opposition to Question 1, with
Chairwoman Carlene Hamlin and Greg Sheehan dissenting.

Hamlin said the board has in the past refrained from voting on ballot
questions and would be setting a precedent or policy if a vote were taken on
this measure. Selectman John Hine said taking a position on ballot questions
can be done on a case by case basis and Robert Judge and Marilyn Ishler
spoke against Question 1.

"I think at this time it's important for the community to know we've looked
into this and that we think it would be bad for the community," said Ishler.
"The cuts are going to be so great that it will do damage to our town."

Judge said the hard numbers are unknown but a significant reduction in the
town's assistance from the state should be expected if the question passes
and it "would be terrible for the town of South Hadley."
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Why does NJ Heim of S. Hadley oppose Question 1?

I sincerely hope people see the multitude of problems ballot question one (1) could cause, if people vote yes.

I lived in California when a similar choice was on the ballot. People voted for it, and it went through. As a result, libraries were only open 1/2 day per week, access to parks was closed because they could not be maintained, and a plethora of other services simply went away - until it could be put back on the ballot, and people could vote to reinstate those services (and be taxed for them, of course). Anyone who thinks municipalities tax individuals so they can have a budget surplus must be from another planet... tax money supports services everyone uses, whether they realize it or not.
-NJ Heim

Why would people vote no on this question

I am voting no because it would affect our schools, our libraries, and all the services your town now provides, not to mention your property taxes.

Bill Foley says "No" to Question One

Please think of the options before voting on this question. Without a state income tax the burden will fall on the homeowner. I strongly support the "VOTE NO" campaign.

Scary to Imagine Question One Winning

I am firmly against Question One for so many reasons: it would adversely affect budgets of social service programs, schools, libraries, public works, services for the elderly and so much more. I've heard that across the state the vote may be very close on this issue, so it's important that everyone comes out to vote against Question One on Nov. 4.

South Hadley No on 1 Coalition meeting notes

South Hadley No on 1 Coalition Meeting
September 3, 2008

Sarah’s Notes

In attendance: Marion Canning, Jim Canning, Ann Eaton, France Abrams, Robert Abrams, Gary Steigerwalt, Kate Bedard, Bill Foley, Win Lavallee, Peg Lavallee, Robert Salthouse, Bobbie Salthouse, John Scibak, Bob Judge, Brenda Mathieu, Ellen Cohen-Mehlhorn, Skip Jodoin, Margaret Jodoin, Michael Rosner, Donald Marshall, Beth Reidel, Nate Therien, Susan Newton, Sarah Etelman, Pam Schwartz

• If this question passes, 40% of the state budget would be eliminated, and would go into effect January 1, 2009
• There was a similar question on the ballot 6 years ago, and it got 45% of the vote
• The average “back in pocket” would be $3,700
• Voters will be ID’ed with the “vote no pledge card”
o Name and street address are needed
o We’ll build a pipeline to drop off and gather the cards
o Can go online and fill out the pledge cards or fill out paper cards
• Kickoff meetings/public moments will be happening:
o 9/16: Amherst/UMass @ noon
o 9/17: Northampton @ 5:30 PM
o 9/18: Pittsfield
o 9/23: Springfield @ 5:30 PM
o 9/25: Greenfield
• In October, focus will be on phone banks, canvassing, visibilities (sign holding)
• The “yes” vote is being sponsored by Carla Howell, a Libertarian

In South Hadley:

• Columbus Day point person: Kate Bedard
• PTO point person: John Scibak (see below for update)
• Council on Aging/Newton Manor/Loomis Village point person: (TBD – Win Lavallee to contact Linda Young)
• Fire Districts point person: Kate Bedard
• Police point person: Bob Judge (will wait for contact from police first)
• Cable access/channel 15 point person: (TBD – Ann Eaton to contact Connie Clancy)
• Election Day sign-holding coordinator: Gary Steigerwalt
• Lawn sign coordinator: John Scibak
• Data entry: Ann Eaton
• South Hadley general coordination: Sarah Etelman
• Regional coordination: Pam Schwartz

Don’t forget to post at http://southhadleyagainstquestionone.blogspot.com/

Update from John Scibak re: PTOs

The first Open Houses are 9/10, 9/11, 9/17, 9/18, and 9/24
Gus (school superintendant) has agreed to us having a table in the lobby to hand out fact sheets/pledge cards to the parents and teachers (about 700 students at the middle school, and about 80% parent turnout is expected)

Karen Walsh Pio says "No" to Question One

I am a believer that you get what you pay for. The income tax funds much-needed services to cities and towns in Massachusetts and I think it would be both short-sighted and foolhardy to eliminate it. Massachusetts offers its citizens wonderful communities in which to live, raise children, and grow old. Our quality of life is excellent but it doesn't come for free. I hope people take a moment to think about everything they would lose in basic community support and safety, education and town services. There just wouldn't be any money~ 40% of the Commonwealth's budget would be gone. I'm voting against it.

Karen Walsh Pio

Why Judy Van Handle will vote "No" on Question One

We have so much to be grateful for as Massachusetts residents -- a wonderful mix of the mountains and the ocean, terrific private and public schools, one of the world's cutting-edge centers of medical research and a legislature and governor that have stood up and ensured equality for all of its residents. Thus, it would be foolhardy for anyone to vote in favor of eliminating the state income tax. Of all our taxes, the state tax is the least onerous and most beneficial. I can only shudder to think what would happen if it were abolished. Talk to any New Hampshire resident about their astronomic property taxes. Does anyone really think that would not happen here, with similar dire results? By voting no on Question One, you would be making sure that our state -- and municipalities -- would continue to receive the money needed to maintain services. Why tamper with a proven formula? Make sure Massachusetts remains the best state in the nation by voting no on Question One.

Suzanne Cordes of S. Hadley will vote NO on Question #1

Hi Bob-

I will DEFINITELY being voting NO on Question #1 - without a doubt! I cannot be there on Sept. 3rd but I will get the word out to friends. Thanks for keeping me informed.

Suzanne

Linda Young of South Hadley will vote against Question One

"I am opposed to eliminating the state income tax." - Linda Young, S. Hadley

The Rev. Lori Souder of S. Hadley opposes Question One

I agree how it's a more than a lousy idea---would place us all into a tailspin...my thoughts are with you... This makes me think of AZ, how Sun City does not have any schools or youth...or school tax...MA would become a larger Sun City with senior citizens traveling around in golf carts. Thanks for notifying me friends. Lori

Please join us on September 3 at 5:30 at the Egg & I!

From: Sarah Etelman [mailto:setelman@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 10:23 PM
To: Sarah Etelman
Subject: Vote No on Question 1 informational/organizing meeting

Save the date!

When: Wednesday, September 3, 5:30 PM
What: An organizing/informational meeting about the Vote No on Question One
Where: The Egg & I restaurant, 26 Main Street, South Hadley

Eliminating the state income tax will take about $12.7 billion, or about 40% of the state's budget. This will have a devastating effect on many of the things we think of as basic necessities. For some of those details, please visit http://votenoquestion1.com/.

We'll get more information out soon, but in the meantime, please mark your calendars to join your friends and neighbors (and please feel free to bring friends and neighbors with you as well!) at this important meeting.

There will be good, inexpensive food and drink available at the Egg & I for anyone who wishes to have dinner or snacks while we're there.

See you on the 3rd!

Sarah Etelman

Message sent to:
South Hadley DTC
PDM South Hadley/Holyoke/Hadley