Moultonboro Town Government

hawthorne · 07-30-2009, 09:38 PM

Calling all citizens of Moultonboro!!! Please attend the board meetings in town!! They need a checks and balance system called PUBLIC INPUT!!! They do not receive enough feedback for the decisions that they make. Many of the boards only have a handful of people attend their meetings, making them almost private. This allows the boards to get used to doing as the darn well please. The results of which are not always in the tax payers best interests. One way or another, our taxes are going to go up. Our assessments are down, meaning taxes will go up due to loss revenue; a new county nursing home project is on the horizon, meaning taxes will go up; the ressurection of the Community/Recreation/Senior Center has reared its head again!! People! People! People! Make your voice count! Attend meetings! Question! Learn! Voice opinions!! Make this town realize that they have to reduce spending!!!Go to Moultonboro Citizens Alliance webpage and comment. Email! Folks, we NEED you!! The MCA will voice your concers, but you have to email us!!!
www.moultonborocitizensalliance@yahoo.net
We especially want to hear from the summer folks that are hear for a few short precious months!! You matter to us!!

woodynh · 07-30-2009, 10:48 PM

Go ahead and read the posted website for the Moultonboro Citizen Alliance. It speaks for itself. Very very right wing. I live in the town full time and the first time I heard of this group I thought what a great idea until I started reading their website and doing research on them. They are not the voice of the majority of the people that live here. Just a few radicals.

Actually if you do some research it is incrediable how much money they actually cost us in taxes. He is correct they do voice their opinion on everything and make sure it is all done the right way which means the town spends a lot of tax dollars on doing things they normally wouldn't have to do or pay for because of this groups objections to everything.

I do not work for the town I just live here and am one of the citizens who this group believes they are helping.

Go ahead and do research and read their website and form your own opinion.

This is purely just my opinion as a person that lives in the town.

breathe easy · 07-31-2009, 12:55 PM

[QUOTE=woodynh;101416]Actually if you do some research it is incrediable how much money they actually cost us in taxes. He is correct they do voice their opinion on everything and make sure it is all done the right way which means the town spends a lot of tax dollars on doing things they normally wouldn't have to do or pay for because of this groups objections to everything.

QUOTE]

WoodyNH-
I'm not following you here. Are you condoning elected officials not doing things according to the law?
Can you share your research and point to examples where this group has cost the town tax dollars?
I am not a member of the MCA but I am a supporter and I would hardly classify them as " very very very right wing" and a "small group of radicals". I do not always agree with what I read and hear from them, but villefying them that way is just not fair and it is not accurate.

I agree though that readers should take a look and form their own opinions, positive or negative.

SAMIAM · 07-31-2009, 04:48 PM

Jeez,Woodynh, that seemed a little harsh.I didn't see anything in that post that promoted one side or the other.Looked to me as though they were trying to persuade citizens to participate in meetings that affect the town.Makes sense to me.

jeffk · 07-31-2009, 10:13 PM

This is the classic problem of the people who pay the most in taxes having no representative voice. The elected spenders have a pool of money they can tap and the people that CAN vote like the perks that they push through. If you could vote yourself a new car without paying for it many would do exactly that. It isn't right but unfortunately it is legal.

VitaBene · 07-31-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffk

This is the classic problem of the people who pay the most in taxes having no representative voice. The elected spenders have a pool of money they can tap and the people that CAN vote like the perks that they push through. If you could vote yourself a new car without paying for it many would do exactly that. It isn't right but unfortunately it is legal.

Jeff, I understand your points but Moultonborough has some of the lowest taxes around while offering a great deal of services. I do realize many don't use those services but I have never seen a "fair" tax. Now if I lived in Meredith I would be singing a different tune!

Seeker · 07-31-2009, 10:52 PM

Jeff, sorry to disagree but some of us locals pay as much, or more, than the part timers. We have the same concerns as most others but the problem is MOST don't bother to attend selectmens or zba or whatever meetings. I'm not talking just about your town but it is a widespread problem around here. I believe concerned citizens groups are, or can be, a great help to all of us. We let the powers that be make their stupid expensive decisions then b*tch about it and we weren't even there to argue the issue. I also include myself in the latter group.

jeffk · 08-01-2009, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaBene

Jeff, I understand your points but Moultonborough has some of the lowest taxes around while offering a great deal of services. I do realize many don't use those services but I have never seen a "fair" tax. Now if I lived in Meredith I would be singing a different tune!

I agree that the taxes are comparatively low but that is an accident of geography that puts so much shore front within Moultonborough. The town spenders are taking advantage of that fact and spending excessively. The taxes could be even lower and they should be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seeker

Jeff, sorry to disagree but some of us locals pay as much, or more, than the part timers. We have the same concerns as most others but the problem is MOST don't bother to attend selectmens or zba or whatever meetings. I'm not talking just about your town but it is a widespread problem around here. I believe concerned citizens groups are, or can be, a great help to all of us. We let the powers that be make their stupid expensive decisions then b*tch about it and we weren't even there to argue the issue. I also include myself in the latter group.

I recognize that some locals are also footing the big bills but at least they have a vote and therefore a stronger voice. If they are not using that voice that is sad and somewhat a dereliction of a citizen's duty. You get the kind of government you vote for and let happen.

wifi · 08-01-2009, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffk

I agree that the taxes are comparatively low but that is an accident of geography that puts so much shore front within Moultonborough. The town spenders are taking advantage of that fact and spending excessively. The taxes could be even lower and they should be.

I recognize that some locals are also footing the big bills but at least they have a vote and therefore a stronger voice. If they are not using that voice that is sad and somewhat a dereliction of a citizen's duty. You get the kind of government you vote for and let happen.

Jeff, you are so right. Just because we have lower taxes doesn't imply we should spend more to keep up. We should enjoy the ability we have with a large tax base to keep the taxes even lower. Too bad those in charge feel its possible to spend and not be noticed, because those of us that are watching, DO notice

VitaBene · 08-01-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wifi

Jeff, you are so right. Just because we have lower taxes doesn't imply we should spend more to keep up. We should enjoy the ability we have with a large tax base to keep the taxes even lower. Too bad those in charge feel its possible to spend and not be noticed, because those of us that are watching, DO notice

Jeff and Wifi, I understand. I know taxes can be lower. Believe me I don't love taxes and pay my fair share (and maybe then some).

From a major structure perspective, the town is all set- no more centers of any sort. Some things need to grow with the population (year round and seasonal), the recycling center needs to be a bit bigger but more automated perhaps allowing less personnel.

I guess what I'm trying to say is overall the selectmen and boards do a good job and our taxes are a relative bargain. I want the services and good schools, There are few things that the government does efficiently, I expect some slop. It is alway easier to spend other people's money! I agree there needs to be watching and accountability within reason.

Sue Doe-Nym · 08-02-2009, 09:06 AM

Vita, your points are well taken. The previous posts are somewhat of a joke in that people don't practice what they preach. The comments re the MCA are rather misleading. The MCA COULD be a positive voice; however, they are generally out to simply whine and distort the truth without any regard for the facts.

All you folks saying to attend meetings should have been at last week's BOS meeting. Two of the MCA's more vocal members (Al Hume and Hollis Austin) asked more of their usual inane questions. Al even admitted he knew the answer to his zero based budget question. Hollis, for his part, seemed to be requiring an engraved invitation and a formal reception in order to meet the new Town Planner.

Yes, you should all come to more of the meetings and then perhaps you will be more knowledgeable and not make some of the inacurate "shoot from the hip" statements like the ones above.

We need more informed participants and fewer people who spout opinions without knowing the facts.

breathe easy · 08-02-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sue Doe-Nym

.

All you folks saying to attend meetings should have been at last week's BOS meeting. Two of the MCA's more vocal members (Al Hume and Hollis Austin) asked more of their usual inane questions. Al even admitted he knew the answer to his zero based budget question. Hollis, for his part, seemed to be requiring an engraved invitation and a formal reception in order to meet the new Town Planner.
We need more informed participants and fewer people who spout opinions without knowing the facts.

And the facts are what? Read the minutes the selectboard put's out and try to get any real facts. They are often missing important decisions and the selectmen tend to ignore them anyway.
Al was responding to Jean Beatles comment at the end of the public input session about her opinion that zero based budgeting is very time consuming as the article that Al passed out stated. Al responded by saying that he knew that was mentioned in the article.
What we don't need are more people who are part of the towns inner circle running everything in sight and then telling the rest of us to keep quiet.
And in case you are wondering I am not an MCA member, but I am a supporter.

Redsoxlover · 08-02-2009, 02:22 PM

I am a member of MCA and yes they are a few who are have gone a little out there with comments and actions but fwe are all concerned about how the town is being run. The minutes posted are often not an accurate account of what's been said in these meetings. You need to attend to see what is really discussed. We need to make changes but until the residents make the effort to know who's running and not just check either the first name on the list or this name sounds familar we will go nowhere. Please our town is too important to let these things slide.

hawthorne · 08-02-2009, 11:07 PM

To Sue Doe Nym

Obviously, you are one of ‘the inner circle’ favos of the Board of Selectmen. Sorry to hear that you feel that some of the MCA members that you seem to be so knowingly aware of that you know, not only their first names but their last names too, and are willing to publicly call them names, that you feel their questions are ‘inane’. I wonder, if someone else other than these two gentlemen, had asked the same questions, as a member of the voting public, you would have had the same attitude towards him or her? It would appear that you have a preconceived idea of what the MCA does and stands for. I wonder where you got your prejudices from?? Could it be from your closeness to certain boards? It would appear that your tolerance is very thin. For all you know, these two gentlemen could have been asking questions on behalf of other folks in town that could not attend or do not want their names known publicly. Perhaps you should be a little less critical and a little more attentive to the voting taxpayers.

twoplustwo · 08-03-2009, 09:15 AM

Were I one of the 'inner circle' favos of the MCA, Cosmotis, I'd be looking for leadership that attracted supporters, presented my association as professionally as possible, and avoided any person and/or behavior that reflects negatively upon my association so as not to detract from the real reason it exists. Because the MCA has not done this, the centrist population will continue to run to the status quo, and the MCA candidate(s) will continue to lose BOS elections.

Teddy Roosevelt said "Every reform movement has a lunatic fringe." Having a lunatic fringe and allowing them to lead the charge are two different things.

woodynh · 08-03-2009, 10:14 AM

If you lived in the town you would realize that MCA is the largest supporter of SB2 and rights of the people who own seasonal property here. I live here and my childern go to school here. We have a very low tax rate and the town does not over spend as many towns do. The people that live here full time for the most part are very satisfied with the town and their actions. Most do not support MCA as proven by SB2 being voted out. The people complaining are the ones that don't live here full time and want lower taxes. Why doesn't this group fight the state and get back the money we have to pay for the other schools in the state because we are a tax rich town. Then maybe the locals would support this group. I would rather have that money spent on our schools and lower our tax rate. Everybody wants lower taxes and Moultonborough does a very good balancing act with this why complain?

07-30-2009, 09:38 PM	#1
hawthorne Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Moultonboro Town Government Calling all citizens of Moultonboro!!! Please attend the board meetings in town!! They need a checks and balance system called PUBLIC INPUT!!! They do not receive enough feedback for the decisions that they make. Many of the boards only have a handful of people attend their meetings, making them almost private. This allows the boards to get used to doing as the darn well please. The results of which are not always in the tax payers best interests. One way or another, our taxes are going to go up. Our assessments are down, meaning taxes will go up due to loss revenue; a new county nursing home project is on the horizon, meaning taxes will go up; the ressurection of the Community/Recreation/Senior Center has reared its head again!! People! People! People! Make your voice count! Attend meetings! Question! Learn! Voice opinions!! Make this town realize that they have to reduce spending!!!Go to Moultonboro Citizens Alliance webpage and comment. Email! Folks, we NEED you!! The MCA will voice your concers, but you have to email us!!! www.moultonborocitizensalliance@yahoo.net We especially want to hear from the summer folks that are hear for a few short precious months!! You matter to us!!

07-30-2009, 10:48 PM	#2
woodynh Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 45 Thanks: 3 Thanked 21 Times in 7 Posts	Moultomboro Citizen's Alliance Go ahead and read the posted website for the Moultonboro Citizen Alliance. It speaks for itself. Very very right wing. I live in the town full time and the first time I heard of this group I thought what a great idea until I started reading their website and doing research on them. They are not the voice of the majority of the people that live here. Just a few radicals. Actually if you do some research it is incrediable how much money they actually cost us in taxes. He is correct they do voice their opinion on everything and make sure it is all done the right way which means the town spends a lot of tax dollars on doing things they normally wouldn't have to do or pay for because of this groups objections to everything. I do not work for the town I just live here and am one of the citizens who this group believes they are helping. Go ahead and do research and read their website and form your own opinion. This is purely just my opinion as a person that lives in the town.

07-31-2009, 12:55 PM	#3
breathe easy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 98 Thanks: 7 Thanked 23 Times in 9 Posts	Don't villefy concerned citizens. [QUOTE=woodynh;101416]Actually if you do some research it is incrediable how much money they actually cost us in taxes. He is correct they do voice their opinion on everything and make sure it is all done the right way which means the town spends a lot of tax dollars on doing things they normally wouldn't have to do or pay for because of this groups objections to everything. QUOTE] WoodyNH- I'm not following you here. Are you condoning elected officials *not* doing things according to the law? Can you share your research and point to examples where this group has cost the town tax dollars? I am not a member of the MCA but I am a supporter and I would hardly classify them as " very very very right wing" and a "small group of radicals". I do not always agree with what I read and hear from them, but villefying them that way is just not fair and it is not accurate. I agree though that readers should take a look and form their own opinions, positive or negative.

08-02-2009, 09:06 AM	#11
Sue Doe-Nym Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,450 Thanks: 759 Thanked 794 Times in 417 Posts	Vita, your points are well taken. The previous posts are somewhat of a joke in that people don't practice what they preach. The comments re the MCA are rather misleading. The MCA COULD be a positive voice; however, they are generally out to simply whine and distort the truth without any regard for the facts. All you folks saying to attend meetings should have been at last week's BOS meeting. Two of the MCA's more vocal members (Al Hume and Hollis Austin) asked more of their usual inane questions. Al even admitted he knew the answer to his zero based budget question. Hollis, for his part, seemed to be requiring an engraved invitation and a formal reception in order to meet the new Town Planner. Yes, you should all come to more of the meetings and then perhaps you will be more knowledgeable and not make some of the inacurate "shoot from the hip" statements like the ones above. We need more informed participants and fewer people who spout opinions without knowing the facts. Last edited by Sue Doe-Nym; 08-02-2009 at 09:45 AM. Reason: Spelling and additional comment.

08-02-2009, 02:22 PM	#13
Redsoxlover Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 53 Thanks: 23 Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts	Minutes I am a member of MCA and yes they are a few who are have gone a little out there with comments and actions but fwe are all concerned about how the town is being run. The minutes posted are often not an accurate account of what's been said in these meetings. You need to attend to see what is really discussed. We need to make changes but until the residents make the effort to know who's running and not just check either the first name on the list or this name sounds familar we will go nowhere. Please our town is too important to let these things slide.

07-31-2009, 04:48 PM	#4
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,918 Thanks: 341 Thanked 1,692 Times in 594 Posts	Jeez,Woodynh, that seemed a little harsh.I didn't see anything in that post that promoted one side or the other.Looked to me as though they were trying to persuade citizens to participate in meetings that affect the town.Makes sense to me.

07-31-2009, 10:13 PM	#5
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,184 Thanks: 210 Thanked 450 Times in 260 Posts	This is the classic problem of the people who pay the most in taxes having no representative voice. The elected spenders have a pool of money they can tap and the people that CAN vote like the perks that they push through. If you could vote yourself a new car without paying for it many would do exactly that. It isn't right but unfortunately it is legal.

07-31-2009, 10:52 PM	#7
Seeker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Effingham Posts: 408 Thanks: 37 Thanked 19 Times in 15 Posts	Jeff, sorry to disagree but some of us locals pay as much, or more, than the part timers. We have the same concerns as most others but the problem is MOST don't bother to attend selectmens or zba or whatever meetings. I'm not talking just about your town but it is a widespread problem around here. I believe concerned citizens groups are, or can be, a great help to all of us. We let the powers that be make their stupid expensive decisions then b*tch about it and we weren't even there to argue the issue. I also include myself in the latter group.

08-02-2009, 11:07 PM	#14
hawthorne Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Taxpayers Beware! To Sue Doe Nym Obviously, you are one of ‘the inner circle’ favos of the Board of Selectmen. Sorry to hear that you feel that some of the MCA members that you seem to be so knowingly aware of that you know, not only their first names but their last names too, and are willing to publicly call them names, that you feel their questions are ‘inane’. I wonder, if someone else other than these two gentlemen, had asked the same questions, as a member of the voting public, you would have had the same attitude towards him or her? It would appear that you have a preconceived idea of what the MCA does and stands for. I wonder where you got your prejudices from?? Could it be from your closeness to certain boards? It would appear that your tolerance is very thin. For all you know, these two gentlemen could have been asking questions on behalf of other folks in town that could not attend or do not want their names known publicly. Perhaps you should be a little less critical and a little more attentive to the voting taxpayers.

08-03-2009, 09:15 AM	#15
twoplustwo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 456 Thanks: 51 Thanked 39 Times in 21 Posts	inane Were I one of the 'inner circle' favos of the MCA, Cosmotis, I'd be looking for leadership that attracted supporters, presented my association as professionally as possible, and avoided any person and/or behavior that reflects negatively upon my association so as not to detract from the real reason it exists. Because the MCA has not done this, the centrist population will continue to run to the status quo, and the MCA candidate(s) will continue to lose BOS elections. Teddy Roosevelt said "Every reform movement has a lunatic fringe." Having a lunatic fringe and allowing them to lead the charge are two different things.

08-03-2009, 10:14 AM	#16
woodynh Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 45 Thanks: 3 Thanked 21 Times in 7 Posts	If you lived in the town you would realize that MCA is the largest supporter of SB2 and rights of the people who own seasonal property here. I live here and my childern go to school here. We have a very low tax rate and the town does not over spend as many towns do. The people that live here full time for the most part are very satisfied with the town and their actions. Most do not support MCA as proven by SB2 being voted out. The people complaining are the ones that don't live here full time and want lower taxes. Why doesn't this group fight the state and get back the money we have to pay for the other schools in the state because we are a tax rich town. Then maybe the locals would support this group. I would rather have that money spent on our schools and lower our tax rate. Everybody wants lower taxes and Moultonborough does a very good balancing act with this why complain?