Meet the candidates night

He presented his strong opposition last year at the public hearing on SB2. As Moderator of the Candidates' Night discussion, I assume he will set aside his personal feelings on the subject and be a fair, balanced and diplomatic referee. I have criticized the chair and vice chair of the select board for stepping in and out of their roles as selectmen for the sake of their personal comments at selectmen's meetings, thereby using their office for excessive and unwarranted influence. We know Mr. Borrin's feeling on the subject of SB2 and we expect him to be head and shoulders above that kind of behavior. So much for disclosure.

My early opinion of SB2 was formed before I did the research of what it is and isn't and stopped listening to the fear mongers, power brokers, and emotional lobbyists that had been the loudest voices. Very simply put SB2 allows any registered voter to vote on the spending articles of the town and school district warrant. Presently, if you are physically unable to be at the town meeting you surrender your right to vote.

I alluded to three reasons why Moultonborough needs SB2:

1. Moultonborough has always been the beneficiary of a huge tax base (total assessed value of all taxable property). Comparable to cities like Concord, Bedford, Derry and more than Gilford and Exeter put together. With all that taxable property as their income the town fathers have for decades spent freely. More recently they have spent like a sailor on a Saturday night … and that's not a compliment to any self-respecting sailor. Look around at the infrastructure. Last year they started an effort to build a multi-million dollar Recreation Center with country club style accoutrements, and they are at it again this year. They have had their way because of low turnouts at town meetings, intimidation for those that did show up and other political shenanigans. That all stops with SB2.

2. It ends the disenfranchisement of any voters that have not been able to be at town meeting. Absentee ballots are available for those house-bound, out of town or away for the winter enjoying retirement.

3. Other than where and when you vote, little else changes. If you are of the discussing type and want discussion on any of the articles there is a "Deliberative Session" about 30 days before voting. Amendments can be made but the voting on the articles is done by ballot. All the misinformation and fear mongering about default budgets, unions, etc. can and does happen with the old form of town meeting as well.

There are more people in NH who live with SB2 than live with the old style town meeting, period. It is time for SB2 in Moultonborough.

Rick Heath
Moultonborough

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