Selectman
Theresa Sepe 526
Gustave Ruth 373
Robert Davis 239
Mike Towne 167
John Pasquarelli 136
Moderator
Kenneth Harvey 711
Town Clerk
James Tetreault 739
Supervisor
Christy Menard 712
Trustee of the Trust Funds
Theodore Whippie 612
50 Write-ins
Conant Library (3 Year)
Marilyn Baker 600
Barbara Kelley 500
Tami Poole 7
Conant Library (2 Year)
Alice Picard 634
Thayer Public Library
Peggy Cushing 378
Linda Crowell 356
Budget Committee
Kathleen Hebert 375
Hubert Crowell 362
Harvey Sieran 307
Planning Board (3 year)
Margaret Sharra 332
Kim Gordon 310
Planning Board (2 year)
Brian Moser 393
Cemetery
Charles Gregory 279
Kari Caldwell 236
Robert Davis 208
Articles
2: Yes 573 .. another $545,500.00 for the wastewater plant
No 196
3. Yes 542 .. another $500,000.00 for the wastewater plant
No 216
4. Yes 419 .. another $317.000 in bonds and taxation for sidewalks
No 284
5. Yes 578 .. approved town budget of $3,464,356.00
No 100
6. Yes 616 .. $500,000.00 for bridge plans
No 160
7. Yes 421 .. $64,998.00 to buy Dale Gray another truck to ruin
No 348
8. Yes 417 .. another $25,000.00 for the town beach
No 371
9. Yes 623 .. another $24,800.00 for the current truck payment
No 160
10. Yes 618 .. $18,000 for the cemetery that has it's own trust fund
No 150
11. Yes 453 .. $15,500.00 for a foolish bus service from downtown to Wal-Mart in Hinsdale
No 330
12. Yes 585 .. another $10,000.00 for the Selectmen to play with
No 188
13. Yes 465 .. another wasted $6,000 for a festival
No 322
14. Yes 502 .. $50,000.00 for something not even part of the town
No 284
15. Yes 563 .. $2,500.00 the trustees said they did not want
No 222
16. Yes 292 .. they won't be turning off any street lights in the near future
No 479
17. Yes 174 .. the citizens of New Hampshire won't be
No 260
18. Yes 480 .. finally disabled citizens in town will get a $750.00 tax credit
No 242
19. Yes 107 .. explains why the vote went the way it did, no one can see
No 254
20. Yes 413 .. another three years of Dale Gray and his ways
No 260
21. Yes 456 .. conservation committee got it's way
No 233
22. Yes 342 .. we finally have adopted the State's Conflict of Interest rules
No 249
23. Yes 379 .. how do you commend someone you just payed over $40,000.00 to defend lawsuits, shouldn't they have been avoided at all costs?
No 245
24. Yes 409 .. a dumpster ordinance with teeth, all we need is someone to enforce it.
No 292
25. Yes 360 .. another amendment to our town's zoning ordinances
No 286
26. Yes 350 .. another amendment to our town's zoning ordinance
No 303
27. Yes 366 .. another amendment to our town's zoning ordinance
No 304
28. Yes 466 .. a big mistake to amend this ordinance
No 197
29. Yes 309 .. a bigger mistake to amend this, even the Conservation Commission was against
No 285
30. Yes 218 .. was unenforceable
No 508
School Board
Kevan Whippie 431
Moderator
Parkhurst 658
District Clerk
James Tetreault 683
District Treasurer
James Tetreault 5
2. Yes 615 .. school budget set at $10,006,293
No 152
3. Yes 372 .. allowed the school to take back the $258,239,00 cut by the budget committee
No 366
4. Yes 437 .. a planning committee will be established to study if withdrawal from Unit #38 would better serve the town
No 305
5. Yes 266 .. no more money for "special education" this year
No 469
6. Yes 308 .. no teacher raises this year
No 462
7. Yes 305 .. Winchester School will remain Winchester School
No 426
8. Yes 669 .. School District will receive reports from agents, auditors, committees and officers for viewing.
No 66
9. Yes 564 .. carte' blanche to spending given to the the School District
No 166
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
68 comments:
I can see more for sale signs going up around town this year and more people losing there homes to foreclosure. Winchester in now an officially dead town. You have given the keys to the coop to the foxes.
Spent more than the 'egg money' here for sure. So hard to understand, and harder to accept.
For those of you who lost, you got lucky. Just imagine the tax bills in Dec.
It's not a big surprise when the town and those the hierarchy chose to run control the election from the start. Their tactics of removing campaign signs, the very biased Grange meet the candidates bs, where new candidates had only three minutes to introduce themselves, whereas we have had three years to get to know those currently in office running for re-election or more and let us not forget new candidates were not allowed to approach people coming to vote and had to stand 100 feet from the doorway between parked cars to campaign for safety reasons. The whole process has become a one-sided farce to keep the old regime in office. That people were too lazy or just didn't care to vote helped bury us come December, better start calling a Realtor today and get your house up on the market as soon as you can, the proverbial s_ _ t has hit the fan and we all are in for some really terrible times.
I'm going back to bed, really bad news to see this.
The real problem lies with our town's apathetic voters. If people will not give about one or two hours of their time to ask questions, go to the sessions set up to educate voters and turn out on voting day to have a say in their and their children's futures there is nothing the rest of us can do but bite the bullet, grin and bear it. We will all suffer the consequences in the near future for the failures of the many that stayed home.
When the crying starts over your tax bills remember you had a chance to do something about it and decided it wasn't that important to you to vote.
From those of us who did vote, thanks a lot, you screwed us too.
Charles Gregory won for the Cemetary Trustees, not Kari Caldwell.
Charles Gregory 279
Kari Caldwell 236
Robert Davis 208
Thank you, corrected
Good Morning Blog!
I am disappointed in the results from yesterday. However, there is one bright spot and yes, I did look under the cabbage leaf for it, we may not have captured the Selectperson's seat but we have leveled the playing field on the Planning Board. There's two for this year. Last year we got 1/2 of one.
We need to set some goals for this year. I know that several of you had conversations yesterday about the blog. Bear that in mind today. We cannot be bitter we just have to be better to beat them at their game. If we give up now we have lost a lot.
You are right the tax bills are going to set the "town on fire." Okay, perhaps then the people will get up and get moving! My accounting brain tells me that $750isn't going to go very far when there is no increase in SS. You know the saying you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
We need to plan a strategy for next year. After the tax rate is set and the December bills come out I really think that there will be a "lynching".
Please keep the information coming and we will use it.
A personal comment to Mr. Towne, please do not throw in the towel you are keeping them honest. We do need that.
Have a great day!
I happen to not see it as a bad thing. There are a lot of work to be done in Winchester to make it a better place. I am sad every time I got through downtown (which is twice a day). Although we will be paying a bit more (for those who actually pay property taxes), it will make our community better. And for those who don't like it, I did not hear the knock on my home door with you giving your point of view on what to vote for and not to vote for. Next time maybe a flier or a house to house information session.... Jenni
Did you vote? Then do not complain about your taxes!
Jenni ..
There was an explain the ballot meeting at the VFW last week and a meet the candidates day last Sunday which you could have attended to get info instead of putting the onus on a candidate to walk the neighborhoods of Winchester seeking votes. Too many people won't put one iota of effort into anything and expect others to do it all. As for a good idea and paying a bit more, you'd better start putting money away now for that $30 plus tax rate that's coming unless you don't pay taxes.
I guess I just don't understand!!! I have talked with many over the last several months, and was led to believe that the Majority of us were sick of how things are done around here. I, personally voted "NO" on just about everything we did not need (such as another town truck, and funds to service a retaining wall), and then to find the results are what they are, I just do not understand. Winchester is a good town, it is the methods by which this town is made to operate that sucks!!! If WE have to keep cutting corners to survive, than why doesn't the town have to do the same and question whether or not THEY really need some of these things? You can explain all you want, and vote however you want, but I am now seeing 2 yrs in a row of voters saying NO and things happening anyway.
Maggie gets her sidewalk after all...Gus saw to it. so glad he can afford the higher taxes.
To the above poster;
Can you explain your statement, what did Gus do? I read in the paper that he was going to request a recount, which is open to the public and has to be announced because they were short a few votes to pass that article.
Another voting year has passed proving that the towns people are not falling for smear tactics and propaganda, People are unhappy with their tax bills but this is not a Winchester only problem, other towns and the whole state even the whole country is feeling this economy. Many people have stated allowing people to post anonymously and using statements like "the word on the street and the rumour is" takes all credibility away from this sight. for example when Bob Davis uses his name and makes a statement that can be backed up with documents or minutes it carries a lot of weight. When "anonymous" post something that cant be proven and sounds like rumour or hostile dribble it takes all credibility away from this sight which in turn takes away from what you are trying to accomplish. We all agree that there are some changes that need to happen and people need to be informed but the tactics some people use here backfire on your sight and the majority of voters see through the smoke and have come to understand this. If you really want to be involved in change stay away from mud slinging post only comments that can be backed up with facts and post them under someone who is willing to use their name so it will be far more credible. Sadly you have uncovered some facts and if used correctly it could be used to bring the change we are all looking for but in the end these facts get mixed in with all the "rumours,word on the street and hostile personal attacks"
As a last observation many people on election day noted that Mr Informer suggested we vote no on almost every money issue except the one that would put 750$ back into his own pocket it looked like that he doesn't care about the town in general and was only worrying about his own wallet another example of how this sight hurts itself
you have another 12 months to help with change, My suggestions would be inform people of "FACTS" get out and get involved, join boards and committees, work with people not against, go to meetings and vote. if you can change the reputation that this sight has from trying to destroy a town to a sight that wants to make changes and build a town I think you will go farther in your quest of making Winchester a better place for all
To the above poster 3/10 8:39 P.M.
" but I am now seeing 2 yrs in a row of voters saying NO and things happening anyway."
The voting results do not back up your claim can you help us understand what you mean? are you stating you believe someone somehow changed the votes from NO to YES before the results were counted?
Thank in advance for you explaining this
re: Recount::
How about the town looking at Article 3 of the School Ballot for a recount. That was but a mere 6 votes shy of not passing. 372 Yes..366 NO...Could we save some money here?
Hope the hwy super doesn't dance to big a jig, see you next year. After the dec. tax bill a lot of people are going to be pissed every time the big bucks truck goes by, and will be taking notice of actual work time of hwy employees.
Facts have been posted on this blog by many people and then those who have been exposed cry foul and start their smear campaign and blame one person who started this blog for his own personal reasons for everything everyone says or for every subject posted. People post anonymously just for this reason, who would you pick on next? Mr. Towne for your information hasn't put up a lot of the information on this blog, there are many contributors. That he is the web-master, the person that started this blog shouldn't be used against him in the manner that you and your small minded friends in power have tried to attribute to him. That we have not come forward as he has and used our own names and all post under the one title is simply because none of us wants the backlash he is getting for being honest and upfront. You'd be very surprised by just who some of us are. Your tactics will become known to all very soon and then we'll see who's blowing smoke, who's telling the truth and just what the real truth is. We're not going anywhere, nor will we allow you to continue your smear tactic of someone who stands up to your bullying. It was we as a whole who published the suggestions for voters, not Mr. Towne. It was Mr. Towne, who took the time to research and write up the warrant to get tax relief for the disabled and because of his recent surgeries and health issues had some of us in his stead collect signatures to get it put on the warrant. That Mr. Towne would want to help those families desperate for some tax relief because of their small disability income like himself is a testament to the kind of person he is to go out of his way to help others. To malign him as you have done shows us just what a shallow person you really are. You speak of hostile personal attacks and rumors and yet you yourself are guilty of just attacking Mr. Towne personally. I guess we should expect this double standard from those of you who think you are so much better than the rest of us and who think they have all the answers.
As for joining boards and committees, isn't that what Mr. Towne just tried to do and look where it got him.
In reference to Article #4 - for the sidewalks to pass, there needed to be a 3/5 vote for it to pass.
At last night's BOS meeting, Gus Ruth said that he spoke with the Secretary of the State and they told him that the count is on how many votes for the warrant were cast, not the number of ballots.
He then stated that it had plenty to pass.
OK - so let's do the math.
There were 491 Yes and 284 No. Added together that comes to 775 / 5 = 155 x 3 = 465
That would make 26 extra votes in the affirmative.
831 ballots cast / 5 = 166 x 3 = 499 short 8 votes
High Five to you think about this said...march 11 2010 @ 7:44am
Kim, Thanks for doing the math! This is a prime example of elected officials NOT LISTENING to the people. Also, I think a number needs to be used rather than "plenty to pass." I would like a formal verification of these votes.
Oh, and I will continue to post under ANONYMOUS because I don't want to be targeted for my opinion!
Regardless of people who like or don't like the informer or Mr. Towne, the town has money problems now, with the vote results for all the spending we are in for one hell of a jump in taxes.I just cant understand how people that cant pay now expect to be able to pay later. To me its very apparent that a lot of the people in charge don't really care. Its a year that is bound to have a nasty backlash. start with the new truck that even Dale admits could have cost a lot less.
Let's take a look at the real numbers people.
1.2 million in back taxes owed just for this past year.
town is already $500,000 short
3.4 million for the ww plant voted in last year that will start effecting our tax rate next billing
and now another 1.4 million added to the back of that
sewer users in town are going to be smacked upside the head real hard and if what Gus said about the town's wells is true, hold onto your shoe tops folks the floodgates are going to open and swallow us all up.
my last word tonight would be to get off Mr. Towne's back, without him and the others who have stuck their necks out none of us would know what's going on and have a place to come talk about it.
March 11, 2010 5:00 PM Kim used basic math and showed you the article passed with 26 extra votes. and you still blame the "powers to be"......people voted for what they thought was best for the town and themselves and their Family's no "powers to be" hiding in the booths directing the voters people came people voted live with it! Its how this great country works its call democracy
are you sure it was democracy at work and not something else?
re: Article 4 --"the sidewalks"..
Not to belabor this issue, but my understanding of the count was 419 YES and 284 NO....not 491. That would alter the 3/5 calculation for sure. The blog "results" recorded it as 419. ???
Our representative at the town hall when the votes were counted and totaled had recorded the vote as 419 for and 284 against. In the Sentinel, Gus Ruth stated they were several votes shy to get the article passed and was thinking of asking for a recount. Now the count is at 491. It's possible that our representative there accidentally wrote the numbers down wrong, we are all human; but without a recount, we'll never know for sure. There were an awful lot of numbers to record that evening.
Yep
if i said something nasty about beaman or sharra you sure would post it you dumb %$#@ piece of s_ _ t mike towne-hey mike - get out of our "towne" you walking talking piece of crap.
you only post what retards who listed to you say.
you and that hulking piece of crap keenan.
The above comments were edited to remove the vulgar language. Once again some small minded individual has chose to attack Mr. Towne and Mr. Keenan and you all wonder why only a very few post under their own names and why people will continue to post anonymously. No one wants to see this type of crap posted towards them everyday.
In all actuallity Mr Keenan helped the town out in a big way, His endorsement was a KISS OF DEATH to any candidate he spoke for. Unlike the few people who are using him for their dirty work the majority of the town has discovered just how deranged this man is. now that elections are over Im very confident his "NEW" friends will send him packing just like everyone else has. And this is not a "Personal attack" everything that happens to him he brings upon himself with his words and actions for example The restraining order he has on him at Sunrise Village, and possible new restraining orders in the works by several people.
Good Morning Blog,
It looks as though our "friend" just wants to see if the blog would publish his comments. My concern is that the comments are part of a smear campaign from the powers that be. Perhaps it would be in the blogs be interest to explain to this person that this is harrassment and "it" can be sued. I wonder how that person would like that to have fingers pointed at him/her. Enough said. It's time to grow up and act your age.
Please keep the information coming. There are some of us that want to continue to speak about the issues.
PS I used to teach your children and now I know where they learned these words. Perhaps this is why they still are having touble at Keene High.
re: looking for truth
Are you speaking about the neighbor of his he cordially visited and asked about the improprieties he witnessed during the polling and why she didn't speak up while sitting their watching? Seems some people over react when they don't want to answer hard questions put to them, though they seek the position and demand the respect, they fail to "serve" as they promise to do.
We understand even Ms. Platz said the compliant was foolish; but the police had no choice but to follow through. As for other complaints, I'd put money on it they will be just as frivolous too.
Now as for his "new" friends dropping him, what a foolish statement. It's evident that you know nothing about friendship nor does your over confident ego hold water. Go blow your horn someplace else, your constant attacks on John are getting old and tiring.
Talked to a voter today that doesn't like and would not vote for Bob, Mike, or Brian, but cant get over the spending that happened on the 9th, and probably wont be able to keep there house.
March 12, 2010 10:46 AM
You used to teach our children, I hope not English or Spelling, maybe you should read over what your wrote.
Note:
harrassment is spelled HARASSMENT
touble is spelled TROUBLE
Perhaps if he had voted for Mike, Bob and Brian he wouldn't have to worry about losing his house. Some people just have to learn the hard way, that constantly doing the same thing over and over again instead of changing your ways will get you the same results time and time again. Too bad he has to lose everything to learn a simple lesson.
to anonymous at 10;46am today.
Big of you to point out a spelling error, glad we have you on the blog to find fault with someone who once held a very noble profession. Too bad you're such an ingrate and couldn't find it in your heart to over look a trivial mistake and say thank you to this person for their dedication to children.
Would you care to share with us what great accomplishment you have made towards bettering our community besides running your mouth?
Ref:Go figure said; Tell the voter and let me know who the voter is so I can attend the auction and buy the property for .10 on the dollar then the voter will still owe the bank the difference. How does he like me now?
Thank you at 2:50 for defending me. I should have run spell check. I shall remember to do so.
However, one must contemplate that if that is all they can find to quibble about then the facts must be driving them crazy.
We should all feel guilty about the crap that Mr. Keenan and Mr. Towne have to put up with. If we stick with the facts then we shall point out the mistakes.
Have a great day! I still stand by my comment that the apple does not fall far from the tree!
I just realized that I made a spelling error myself, and I apolgize for that.. what do I do what the community.. I actually do alot, more that you would handle, so you can put that in your pipe and smoke it and while your doing that pack your bags and get of this town...
TO THE SPELLING GURU...It is wonderful that you can spell. You must be so proud! Now, If your grammar was equivalent, you would have some skills. There are 3 spelling errors in this post, Can you find them?
To the former teacher, Thanks! I often have spelling errors in my posts, usually from typos. Just another reason to post ANONYMOUSly
Good Evening Blog,
Enough of the spelling crap! We have bigger fish to fry! The budget is out of control and people will loose their homes. We have to band together to fight this problem.
As I say to my students "get with the program and move on". What can we as a community do to help people?
Thanks for the information blog!
Yes, I ran spell check. I don't want to rain on anyones parade.
re: 3/11 @ 9:04
I am not saying anything about votes being changed. I am wondering where all the towns people who say they can't take it any more, were on voting day. They obviously weren't at the poles!! The average working person is being forced out of town. I am not trying to be violent, I am just looking for some kind of solution, so I don't have to sell my house and move my kids from their school.
Hope this explains my comment.
Thank You
I think our little insignificant town has been had by an ACORN type of attack of get out the vote. It wasn’t the number of voters but the type of people voting. People I have never seen before and I have been on the line for 3 years. A lot of younger women driving in all by themselves. My thoughts at the time who are these people? It is only my opinion you decide.
Ref to: "I am wondering where all the towns people who say they can't take it any more, were on voting day".
I believe a lot of these people were there, but I also believe it is evident with the number of votes the women running received, something is going on. I think Winchester is changing and we will loose control of our town by outsides. As people can no longer afford their homes, as the homes are foreclosed on or rented out or sold at a fraction of its value it allows people who before could never have afforded these homes before to buy in at a fraction of the cost. Home valuation will drop and our town will continue to decay. We can thank the brain-acts running the town hall. Double their home payments with taxes and then tax the people right the Hell out of town!
Careful Bob!!! You are hedging on saying women are taking over Winchester when you mention the women getting votes and the number of women coming to the polls. Don't you think you and others have stirred up enough issues?? After all one of the most powerful voices in the blog on the side of Mike, Brian and yourself is a woman and a very smart one. This is definitely not a gender issue. From grammar and spelling to sexist comments.......... where is that getting the town???
Our community has alot to offer. We are a small town, offer rural properties, almost no traffic congestion, and you know your neighbors. When we visit our banks, or grocery stores, when we attend town halls, and when we walk down our safe streets, we see familiar faces. We are in a perfect location; bordering Vermont and Mass. The problems are two-fold. We either want to keep things the way they are, or we want to entice famalies and businesses into our community. When we have one of the highest tax rates in the state, no high school, and a run down central business district, we are not offering alot of inducements to bring families and businesses to Winchester. When houses are foreclosed on, or sold as short sales, it brings the value of all our homes down. I am all for improvement, but I think we need to improve on things we already have. We need to band together and make the changes we can. Is anyone interested in rolling up their sleeves, and pitching in for a community beautification effort? Are there areas in town that you think could use some elbow grease? Can we make it a fun day/weekend and involve local businesses? Can we become leaders and actually make a change, lead by example? I'm in...how about you?
Bob....why are you questioning women showing up to vote and the women running getting more votes. Isnt it a good thing? Men and Women live in this town and should also help be a part of running it, having Male and Female points of view is not a wrong thing. or are you trying to hint at something else?
Please fill us in
Bob
You are your own worst enemy, statements like the one above by you are just the reason people did not vote you into any office. your own words have ruined your election chances, not anything that selectman or any one else has done
Winchester Informer
I spent a great deal of time leaving a comment this morning with a view on why are taxes may be so high. I was carefull not to slam anyone or point fingers. I truly believe I had some honest, good ideas. My comments have not shown up but many others posted after mine have???? you people stated all through the election time that this sight was not censoring statements and thats why you were allowing the harmfull mud slinging and personal attacks to be posted. yet when someone writes a comment that was not directed at hurting anyone or spreading rumours you chose not to post it! what gives? This sight is losing credability everyday....and to think when I found it years ago I really liked it and thought it would bring change...but this is not the case
No comments have been censored today and all comments have been posted for the past few day, though several have been edited for vulgar language. Are you sure you clicked your mouse on publish and not preview? To continue griping that we censor just your comments, though we haven't a clue who you are if you don't use your name is not only ludicrous but an untruth. Something we have gotten used to with some who comment on here attempting to discredit us.
I'd suggest you try again, either you did not click on publish and wait for the page to load or perhaps some other type of error occurred.
I think what Bob was trying to say and not that I can truly speak for him was that there were many new faces coming to the polls all day and many were young women showing up by themselves or with their young children. Something I too have not noticed much of in the past. Perhaps they came out to support our fine women candidates or there was something else on the ballot that peaked their interests. I have know Bob Davis for many many years, we even went to school together, I know has nothing against women or women candidates. Perhaps your misinterpretation was in the way he attempted to make his point.
Bob Davis did not get re-elected for one reason, he did not get enough people to vote for him, period. Many were led to believe he is a big part of this blog and that because this blog is such a rumor mill, a mean-spirited conflicting source of information and facts that he must be a twisted individual bent on destroying the town. Total hogwash and those that spouted this crap and those that believed it are what's wrong with our town, not Bob. Bob is a contributor to this blog, not part of the staff; never has been because he did not want to give an impression of a conflict of interest or violate the oath he took. He simply spoke his mind and attempted to provide people with facts. Bob is probably the most honest, open, big hearted person in town and someone who enjoys helping others and doesn't look for recognition or compensation for doing it. To malign him like some of you have done was a vicious, spurious attack on a decent person.
Bob sees some real issues with what has been transpiring in town the past several years and attempted to do something about it. He stood up time and time again to fight for reductions in spending and though he was ridiculed at meetings for speaking out and called many names and poked fun at he kept trying year after year to make a difference and to help others. He may have been unpopular and not well liked by those in power who also instigated a smear campaign against Brian Moser and Sue Newell when their views were unpopular; but from what I have seen, you all are going to miss Bob Davis and wish you had someone to fight along side some of the others on the board who like Bob are sick of the spending. I often wonder what kind of town Winchester would have become had you all not turned your backs on Brian and Sue and went with those who now have turned out to be exactly what you feared.
Mark my words, tougher times are coming and you've just gotten rid someone who was working to keep people in their homes; not make a profit off them when they buy them for a nickle on the dollar and resell them later. Open your eyes and look around, stop believing what others say and use your heads for a change.You may be surprised at what truths you learn on your own.
I am sorry some missed the point. When someone doesn’t have a good point of view to challenge your opinion they resort to name calling or to cry sexist pig, racist, or you’re mentally challenged because you couldn’t use word spell. It is not that I am against women's voting it was the fact my opinion was so many new unrecognized voters and the fact many were women. This is a great thing to have more women getting out and voting! My question is why the large turn out of women? Is it because we have more women interested in running for office or some organized effort to get out the vote. Men have run this town for years and what have we received for it, higher and higher taxes. I would like to see 5 women selectmen as long as it is not the crew we have now(except Roberta).
I posted my opinion just wanting to call your attention to what I observed. Something is going on this past election that is not the norm, if you didn’t agree with my opinion so be it. If you don’t like my opinion about the fact the town election was seriously flawed under the direction of the assistant town Moderator Honorable Henry Parkhurst. If your happy about the fact the election turned out just the way you liked and others rights to a fair and honest election was impeded and interfered with, this also must make you happy…….you must be one happy camper if ignorance is bliss!
re: the vote...I came and I voted, but sorry to say, my votes ended up in the minority count, but some of the numbers were close. Let's not lose sight of that. Not everyone who voted wanted the way things turned out. I'm truly sorry that Bob, nor Mike were able to make it into one of the offices they were running for. Winchester is the loser for it. If something improper did occur, that needs to be dealt with with the proper authorities.
You claim this site just posts the facts, but what people have a problem with is that it's really just your opinions, and you try to spin it as facts so others will agree.
Like the sidewalks... you write "$317,000 of new taxation" when thats just not the case. a lot of that money is coming from the federal government, from taxes raised in other places, because obviously winchester folks are too poor to be paying much in income taxes, right? i mean, if we're all losing our homes and all...
anyway, just wanted to point that out to folks, this place doesnt post the truth, just their opinions.
Perhaps it's you that needs to have things pointed out to you and we guess you have trouble reading as well. The $317,000. dollars for the bridge and sidewalk improvements will come from bonds and IF we qualify, the town will at some point be reimbursed from the state. But seeing as how the state is broke and scrambling for funds and laying workers off, don't count your chickens before they hatch and that's a fact; not my opinion. So, if the money doesn't come, who pays off the bonds as well as the $63,000. from taxation? Your feeble attempts to keep attacking this blog and the people who comment on it are really becoming quite comedic. Do you even have the slightest idea what the word truth means? Just wanted to point that out to the people that think.
Whats the big deal, fact is fact and opinion is opinion, the Keene sentinel has an opinion page with a variety of cute headings because people don't want a target on there back. When Mrs Sharra said, your on my turf now, i believed her. So take what you want out of this blog, i hope its here to stay. Its funny the people that say they wouldn't waste there time with this site,sure have a lot to say about whats on it, and its evident it has changed the way some of the depts. operate.
Belief in absurdities and irrationalities:
By one person - Mentally Ill
By a Small Number of People- A Cult
By a Large Number of People- A Religion
(Remember the Delicatessen Rule for examination of theological claims: No matter how you slice it, it’s still baloney).
“People who believe absurdities will eventually commit atrocities”. -- Voltaire
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a
little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor
safety. –Benjamin Franklin
Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759
I think these comments will give both "sides" something to think about
but I really hate using "sides" we should be 1 town with 1 goal
Just to clarify. No one should be counting on getting $750 off their taxes.
The vote was for a $750 tax "exemption," not a tax credit. That means qualifying disabled people would not have to pay taxes on $750 of their assessed value, further meaning that the tax savings would be under $30 at the current tax rate.
In addition, the law calls for means testing. That is that to qualify you have to have income below a certain level. Because none were specified in the article, it will default to the amounts specified in the statute. (It pays to actually read the specific RSAs on the state web site.) If I recall correctly, that is in the neighborhood of $10,000 income/year for a single person and $20,000 if married. In addition there are limits on assets that can be held.
Qualifying veterans get an actual tax credit of $300, and the town has voted in the past to have elderly exemptions. I don't remember the exact amounts, qualifying incomes, or ages, but it is pretty hard to qualify for them.
The warrant article should have been written to give a tax exemption in the amount of $10,000 or $20,000 with higher income thresholds in order to offer any meaningful benefit at all.
Maybe next year.
72:37-b Exemption for the Disabled
I. Upon its adoption by a city or town as provided in RSA 72:27-a, any person who is eligible under Title II or Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act for benefits to the disabled shall receive a yearly exemption in an amount to be chosen by the town or city.
The wording was correct, the yearly exemption was voted in as $750.00 off of the property tax bill.
The net income of those applying does come into play and the respective amount shall be determined by the city or town for purposes of paragraph I or I-a. Under no circumstances shall the amount determined by the city or town be less than $13,400 for a single person or $20,400 for married persons.
These totals were put into affect in 2008, an awful lot has happened since then; however the final word will come from the town's Selectmen. Guess we'll all see just how fair they are to the disabled families in town struggling to hold onto their homes.
read the full RSA here:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/V/72/72-37-b.htm
For those of you wondering, my yearly income from Social Security Disability is a whopping $9240.00/yr; that's $770.00/mo. Try walking in my shoes and the shoes of others who get less. See how easy it is to pay for your medications,food,light and fuel bills and the rest of the things you take for granted.
Then how in the world can you afford to pay Silus Little?????
It's Silas Little and how I pay him is really my business don't you think? Remember, I am not the only one involved in the lawsuit, there are more abutters than just me. If you're that concerned; perhaps you'd like to donate to help with the bill.
It would seem that Mr. Towne is correct on both points;
Looking at the language of the warrant, the town voted to except the exemption for the disabled and award those persons a $750.00 abatement on their tax bills. One could also argue that there is no language regarding any income qualifications in the warrant, nor other stipulations in regards to assets either, only that they be deemed disabled according to SS and SSI regulations.
It's no one's business but there own how they pay their bills and to ask is very rude. I can only imagine what a burden has been placed on these people for simply seeking justice for a wrong; but that's how today's society is, things that should be simply common sense or regulated by rules end up in court because one side ignores what's right.
No matter how I look at it or how I try to justify these results the only logical explanation I can come up with is that they are totally illogical, something isn't quite kosher.
Some would say if you can afford the legal counsil you have attained., afford all the election signs you purchased why get a break on your taxes. at the end of the day doesnt things like this raise the tax rate for the rest of the homeowners? also forcing the town to pay out thousands of dollars in legal fees it has to come from somewhere so at the end of the day this to must raise the tax rates for home owners? yet you blame our tax rate on elected officials, makes no sense, you must blame the voters for voting the budgets and warrent articles that they felt would make a better community for us. but these people didnt vote on having to pay legal fees for your battle nor do they understand when they voted "you" a 750 rebate it would cost them more in the long run.
Ignorance surely is bliss isn't it?
First off I don't owe you or anyone else any explanations of my personal life. Secondly, as I said above hiring an attorney was a joint effort funded by shares and donations from others. My signs were also purchased with money donated to help me get elected, how did this effect your taxation? That you blame those of us who stood up for our rights and the rights of others when we were not treated fairly or justly ( Why do you think the Supreme Court accepted our case? )by an elected board who took oaths to uphold the laws and to protect the citizens of Winchester and a BOS who stood by, knowing there were problems and did nothing is really unfounded. Put the onus where it belongs, squarely on the shoulders of Margaret Sharra, she is the main reason this town got sued and will be sued again. For your information, the Select Board and Planning Board were offered a settlement to put an end to the litigation; both declined. They'd rather spend your money, blame them for not thinking of the town first and their refusal to admit they were wrong.
We, my neighbors and I, did not put the spending warrants on the ballot, you're elected officials did, we were not responsible for the poor or lack of maintenance that allowed things in town to deteriorate so badly that they will now cost millions to repair and replace, we had nothing to do with this, we aren't in charge. I personally voted no to most of the spending articles, unfortunately I was part of the minority who voted the same way, check the tallies.
Lastly, those who voted to give a tax break to the disabled, did so out of compassion for their fellow man; not just to give me a break. It is also something most towns implemented on their own with forcing someone to go out and get signatures on a petition. Why shouldn't disabled people be treated with respect just like a blind or deaf person?
Do your research before you point any more fingers, court documents and filings are public info, go read them.
To all of those who think it’s everyone else’s fault:
To point fingers and to blame those who are FORCED to defend themselves in court for raising everyone else’s taxes is a truly ludicrous statement to make.
To "NOT" hold the arrogant and “as yet” seemingly untouchable culprits who are running this town accountable for upholding the laws of the town and of the state is a foolish, obviously expensive and very dangerous premise on which to stand.
To accuse those whom the wrongdoings have been IMPOSED upon by those in this town who make and DON’T ALWAYS enforce or follow the rules, for raising everyone’s taxes is another truly ludicrous statement to make.
This while allowing those in power and with the control to be fiscally imprudent with our taxpayer money and allowing them to skate past the idea of following the laws of the town and of the state to our continued detriment.
Common sense dictates those in power and with the control, would be the one’s held accountable for being fiscally prudent with taxpayer money and not the other way around.
Statements such as if you can afford legal counsel you shouldn’t be entitled to any expectation that the laws will be followed show the lack of common sense and narrow mindedness, to say the least, with the people running this town and the reasons for the majority of the problems.
There will be continued expensive legal actions against the Town of Winchester as more and more people begin to stand up against the wrong that goes on, unless those running the town finally admit they don’t know it all, thus stopping the draining of resources and instead using the funds to help better the town and it’s people.
Post a Comment