CTYankee on taxation
I've been "lurking" on the forum for almost as long as there has been a forum. It is by far one of the best ways ever invented to stimulate robust discourse among the members of our Winnipesaukee community. Next to the proposed speed limit taxation seems to generate the most controversy, so I thought it would be a good topic for my first post.
I've been summering at the lake since I was an infant, almost fifty years. First on Lockes Island, where I still have many friends, now on Bear Island where I purchased a camp in the mid-eighties. I can't think of any place I'd rather spend time. I also can't think of any place I'd rather have brought my children. Spring, summer, fall and winter our family time at the lake has been priceless. Besides the obvious, the lake is also a special place because of the people of the area, some of the most pleasent and helpful I've met anywhere.
Paying taxes is not a pleasent thing to do. That being said it is necessary in order to preserve what we all enjoy about the lake. I think the answer rests with each of us to press our elected and appointed officials to make the most out of every tax dollar they get and reject excessive spending at the polls.
Tom C is correct, here in Connecticut if you own real property accessed at more than $1000.00 or $2000.00 if jointly owned you are allowed to vote on financial issues within the town the land is in. The law does not permit you vote on candidates for office or other matters but it does give you the ability to have some input on the budget. I don't know if this would work in New Hampshire where the number of properties owned by out-of-state people may actually be greater than the number of in-town property owners. I'd like to hear what some others think. By the way, believe me, Connecticut is not a role-model state in the area of taxation.
I do believe, however, that all things considered I've gotten a pretty good deal in New Hampshire.
CTYankee
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