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Continue the Fight

On behalf of the Clinton Taxpayers Association, we thank Clinton for defeating both the town and education budgets on May 10 by resounding (6.8 and 4.5 percent, respectively) margins. But the Board of Finance dismissed the will voters expressed with minimal one-percent cuts in spending.

Because of certain reductions of nearly $1 million in internal revenue sources and uncertain amounts in cuts in state aid, the proposed 3.1 percent increase in spending results in a tax increase of at least 6.2 percent and as much as 9.6 percent.

I stood at the polls Wednesday and met many voters. What they told me over and over was “enough is enough!”

But for the “Vote Yes” crowd, no amount is ever enough. They seem to be oblivious to the struggle of their neighbors to make ends meet.

Clinton’s poverty rate has jumped from 2.8 percent in 2010 to 8.6 percent in 2015. The number of students on free and reduced lunches in Clinton Schools has nearly tripled to more than 20 percent. These are the families who pay a disproportionately high share of their income in property taxes. Even if a six-plus percent tax increase is not a burden to some, it is a huge burden for their most vulnerable neighbors.

It also depresses your property values and discourages commercial development, which is Clinton’s best hope for spreading the tax burden more equitably.

Let’s not give up now. Residents can help us to continue the fight. They can put up a “VOTE NO May 24” sign on their lawn. They can come to the polls on May 24 and join our rally. I encourage your readers to tell the Board of Finance that “no means no” and that “enough is enough” by voting “No” again on May 24.

Pamela Fritz, President

Clinton Taxpayers Association