MARBLEHEAD — The selectmen are urging residents to avoid the siren call of eliminating state income taxes, even as one member conceded that the town sends millions more to Beacon Hill than it gets back.
No vote was taken, but four members of the board spoke up at Wednesday's meeting, expressing disdain for Question 1, the initiative petition designed to eliminate the state income tax.
Selectman Judy Jacobi led the conversation, noting that residents must take into account the needs of cities like Lynn, Salem and Revere. "I'm very proud to live in Marblehead," she said. "But I'm also very proud to live here in Massachusetts. We can't just build a wall around our town. ... The passage of Question 1 would be destructive to our state."
In addition, she ticked off a long list of programs likely to suffer if state aid is curtailed as a result of cutting 40 percent of the commonwealth's revenue, including state parks, the prison system and local schools.
"High-income taxpayers would gain most of the benefits," she said, noting that those earning $50,000 or less would save no more than $800. Moreover, she warned, if towns like Marblehead passed overrides to make up the difference in state aid, they might later discover that the income tax is reinstated with the overrides still in place, effectively working a whopping tax increase.
As for those who believe a "yes" vote will send the Legislature a message, Jacobi said, "There are other ways of sending a message. Vote out the legislators."
Her three colleagues — one was absent — were largely supportive. Jim Nye also recommended voting out sitting lawmakers as an alternative. "Vote for somebody else. ... If you want to make a change, you'll have to change the people we send into Boston."
"I do understand the people are frustrated," Bill Woodfin said. "I'm one of them." He cited the vote to roll back the income tax rate, a vote usurped by the Legislature. Further, he estimated that the town gives tens of millions to Beacon Hill in income taxes but receives from it a small fraction of that sum.
Nonetheless, Woodfin said, "I'm not supporting 1, and I'm not making a big deal about it. ... Everyone should understand if it does pass it will have a big impact on Marblehead and the ability to deliver services."
"We do have a lot to lose," Selectman Jackie Belf-Becker said.
The School Committee has already discussed Question 1, according to Chairwoman Amy Drinker. "We talked about it briefly. A motion to vote 'no' did not get a second."
She ascribes that response to a heavy agenda, noting that at least a majority of her board would likely vote to oppose Question 1. "I think that the (resulting) cuts would be a catastrophe." She dismisses the notion that the Legislature would not allow the vote to stand.
"This is not a game," Drinker said. "This is for real."
Taking an entirely different tack, school board member Jonathan Lederman has already spoken forcefully in favor of Question 1, calling it a net gain financially for Marbleheaders.
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
