Should Non Resident Tax Payers vote?

Woodsy · 10-12-2012, 09:35 AM

Non-Residents can attend town meetings & hearings and voice thier opinion even if they cannot vote! The problem with letting non-resident taxpayers vote in local elections is that non-residents do not neccesarily have the towns best interest at stake.

For example if you live in Tewksbury, MA you might have voted for the new High School (and subsequent tax increase) because your kids may attend that school or for some other reason it benefits you to do so. So you are ok with the extra tax burden.

Your second home is located up here in Gilford, most Non-Residents would probably vote not to build a new high school (and associated tax increase) because it has NO benefit to them whatsoever!

The bottom line is this.... if you want to vote up here then move up here! make this your PRIMARY residence.

Woodsy

View Poll Results: Should non resident tax payers get to vote in the March Town Elections?
YES	444	66.97%
NO	219	33.03%
Voters: 663. You may not vote on this poll

10-12-2012, 09:35 AM	#29
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,968 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	Non-Residents can attend town meetings & hearings and voice thier opinion even if they cannot vote! The problem with letting non-resident taxpayers vote in local elections is that non-residents do not neccesarily have the towns best interest at stake. For example if you live in Tewksbury, MA you might have voted for the new High School (and subsequent tax increase) because your kids may attend that school or for some other reason it benefits you to do so. So you are ok with the extra tax burden. Your second home is located up here in Gilford, most Non-Residents would probably vote not to build a new high school (and associated tax increase) because it has NO benefit to them whatsoever! The bottom line is this.... if you want to vote up here then move up here! make this your PRIMARY residence. Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Woodsy For This Useful Post:
Sue Doe-Nym (10-13-2012), Winnisquamguy (10-12-2012)