To the editor:
As a Houlton taxpayer, I, like many others in the area, would wait for the town budget to be decided, followed by the school budget, and then wait for the outcome at the polls only to be disappointed that once again my taxes would be going up.
Frustrated and angered by my lack of control or power over my tax fate, my husband strongly suggested that I not complain, but go learn about it and then see what I could do. I did this when I met with a town councilor, who was thrilled to speak with me and grateful that someone took an interest in the inner workings of the town and school budget process.
This councilor had 14 years of experience, so I felt confident in this person’s expertise. This three-hour meeting was invaluable and opened my eyes to many aspects of the budgeting process. Please understand, that I am not in favor of taking anything away from the school budget that would damage our students or the faculty, but there is enough fluff in there to send three or four students through a four-year college degree program.
If anyone knows about cutting down a budget, it is I. I have a rental business and am constantly juggling funds to cover costs of maintenance, utilities and repairs. I have just raised my rents to try to absorb the last two tax increases, as well as rises in insurance costs. I cannot raise them again as my tenants cannot afford this. It is important to note that most of my tenants are young working people who also live on very tight budgets.
Needless to say, passing the proposed school budget would directly affect my tenants and me. The most important message from both myself, and the town councilor I spoke with, is this … Get out and vote! You have the power to make change, but you have to get out and make your voice heard. I hope to see you at the polls on June 10.
Susan Waite-York
Houlton
