Letter: Vote 'no' on Question 1 to preserve citizen services

October 16, 2008 04:45 am

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To the editor:

The League of Women Voters of Cape Ann urges you to vote "no" on Nov. 4 on ballot Question 1 — a proposed law to ultimately eliminate the state income tax.

This is a proposal that would cut an estimated $12 billion dollars from the state's tax base, or 40 percent of the state's $27 billion dollar budget.

Twelve billion dollars less in state funding for public works projects, public safety, school budgets and other state services, such as Medicaid, will have dire consequences in our communities. Cutting state aid to cities and towns will force municipal governments to roll back services and seek overrides increasing the property tax to maintain basic services.

Public safety will be at risk, with fewer police officers, firefighters, and ambulance crews. Residents can expect longer waits for response to 911 calls and to have streets cleared of snow and ice.

Education cuts will lead to larger class sizes and fewer academic and extra-curricular opportunities for all students. More fees will be imposed by local school districts for transportation, field trips, athletics and other extra-curricular activities.

Infrastructure will deteriorate further with less money for roads, bridges and public transportation systems. This means more crumbling roadways, potholes, and repair bills for drivers and a greater risk of train derailments and unsafe bridges.

Reducing or eliminating dollars for health-care services will negatively impact our senior citizens, working families and people with disabilities. Federal Medicare matching funds will be lost if the state does not contribute its share.

The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts considers Question 1 a proposal that could increase local property taxes, cause sweeping cuts in education, cripple our public safety departments and speed the deterioration of our infrastructure.

We encourage all voters to vote "no" on Question 1 in the interest of preserving vital services for the citizens of Massachusetts.

Maggie Rosa

Fort Hill Road, Gloucester

President, LWV of Cape Ann