Hopkinton Taxpayers - Hopkinton, NH 03229

Website of the Hopkinton-Contoocook Taxpayers Association, in Merrimack County, NH

HCTA

Budget Committee Info

Assessment Information

Tax Studies

A River Divides It
Atlantic Institute [352 KB]
15 Years of Folly
Yankee Institute
[Best to download 1.8 MB]
NH Tax Burden
Lowest in NE!

Stewart I. Levenson, MD, Hopkins Green, Hopkinton, NH

Last night I attended the meeting at the community center. While I applaud the efforts of those running the meeting I was quite saddened by everything else I heard. Many of those in the audience seemed to be working at crossed purposes. They seemed to be there to espouse lower taxes but making sure their own ox wasn't gored. When I heard a voice espousing an income tax as our salvation I almost left the room in disgust.

Likewise the issue of the senior center demonstrated how narrow self interest will be the downfall of the town. Seniors in the audience upset over high taxes were more upset that the new senior center was becoming a de facto community center. They actually wanted the senior center to be a sacrosanct area for seniors.

While acknowledging that law prevents the exclusion of other groups from community buildings they were unconcerned that town money will have to support a narrow use facility. Using ridiculous examples like a basketball league can't meet at a police station or a town garage, they felt the senior center could find a way to be exclusive. Unfortunately, from a practical standpoint, they are probably right given the prioritization set forth. I am sure any time a group other than seniors want to use the building there will be a scheduling conflict with say the senior stamp collecting or recipe trading league.

Until it is realized that a small town cannot afford such specialized use areas I believe any efforts to reduce taxes are doomed to failure.