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October 12, 2012

Letter: Reject Beverly CPA initiative

The Salem News

To the editor:

I am writing in regards to The Salem News article dated Saturday, Oct. 6 (“CPA gets second chance in Beverly”).

The supporters of the citizen group Community Preservation Beverly may have their hearts in the right place. However, instead of forcing taxpayers to fund their cause, they should be trying to attract donations from citizens, local businesses and private schools. The key word here is donate, not mandate. The middle class has been severely hurt in this recession with gasoline prices doubling; food prices rising; heating oil prices through the roof; and insurance, water and sewer rates, property taxes, and health care all increasing. This is certainly not the time to raise taxes on property owners, especially the middle class. It is not fair or appropriate.

Beware 1 percent now, maybe 3 percent to 5 percent in the future. Also, as property values rise, the dollar value of the tax will also rise. Fifty dollars may not seem like a lot of money to some people, but many could use it toward their heating or electric bills this winter.

I urge voters to reject this tax increase on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Paul A. Vitale

Beverly

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