Town Meeting and elections have been held here in NH over the last couple of weeks (with more voting in some towns still to come). I’ve been helping one group of people, the Moultonboro Citizens Alliance, with their site as they advocate for implementing SB2 style of voting and for keeping taxes lower.
Well, while they did not achieve their goal of getting SB2 implemented, they came REAL CLOSE! And they did defeat a contentious issue of a new edifice in town.
During that time, lots of Letters to the Editors were written, pro and con. The two that caught my eye seems to be all too typical lately – Wealthy couple moves into small hamlet, considers taxes dirt cheap, get buyer’s remorse over the "smallness" of the town, and decide to ramp up town spending (and therefore taxes).
Because the mentality expressed by this couple (yup! a twofer!) of "we know better than you do even though we just moved in and have more money than you" irks me so much, being of sound mind and body, I just couldn’t leave them alone.
These are taken, by permission, from their site:
Well, I guess a number of people liked my treatment of Mr. St Amand’s manifesto – I was asked for a repeat performance! Thus, so as not to be accused of sexism, let’s do for her what we did for him. Let’s translate what Madam St. Amand has to say in support of the new edifice being contemplated, shall we?
Letter to the Board of Selectmen February 14, 2008
Heh! Good start – we know who we are talking to and the date.
Dear Selectmen,
I feel as if you all know my thoughts on the Recreation Strategic Plan based on my previous letter I read. Furthermore, I am in awe that over three hundred signatures did not open your eyes to see how important this vision is to the community and come forth with support.
And it goes down hill from here. Let’s see – 4,300 residents, 300 signatories – for the sake of 6.97% of the townfolk, let’s build us a building! Funny, I always thought it was a majority that usually carried the day – did the Missus forget the other 93% that didn’t sign it?
You know, if someone called me stupid ("…did not open your eyes to see how important…"), I’d not be all that impressed with whatever is being pitched to me. Influencing people? Absolutely….just not the way she thinks….
Still, I understand that we are at a critical point where your support is needed for this immensely important project so I write to you today in hopes of further explaining my thoughts as a strong community member.
Translation: you’re still stupid, but since you control the approval process, I’ll twist myself in the wind to butter you up. After all I’m what you call "a strong community member". Hot diggity-do! On my say so, you gotta believe me!
When I moved here a year and a half ago, despite my skepticism to move to a small community, I was repeatedly told that this was a small but cozy community.
Small. Cozy. Nice words – admirable words. They connote a certain life style, a certain atmosphere, that is shared and accepted by all. And no one was lying to you either. Moultonborough is just that kind of town.
I immediately noticed that in addition to the limited amenities I would have to get accustomed to, there was no community center in which people could connect on many levels.
Oh, the privations – “limited amenities”.
Methinks the downward slope is pitching down a few more degrees. Note: did she not realize that ("small", "cozy") before the ink on the P&S was dry? Of is this a case of mistaken homework (or homework not done)? Small means, well, small. To have all those things means….larger!
Look, I lived in MA for many years – there was hardly ever a community center “ in which people could connect "on many levels”. The fine town I live in now doesn’t have one – people go and SEE each other. They do not depend on the benefice of government to provide such.
Another thought – is anyone else seeing this? Is this the first time that I see somebody playing "good cop, bad copy" all by herself in each paragraph? And if she is, what role does that mean that the good citizens are playing? After all, the good cop-bad cop needs someone else to be present for this to work….
Everything I, or anyone else I knew, wanted to do was predominately outside of this community. A theater, variety of restaurants, a proper supermarket, a pharmacy, clothes/accessory shopping, and a full service health club would all have to be sought after in other people’s communities.
Life’s tough….get over it…and yourself. You’ve deliberately moved into a small hamlet. Right now, I’m smelling buyer’s remorse. Oh, the indignity of it all – no place for decent shopping!
Actually, the impression I’m getting is that it sounds like “you rubes don’t know what you are missing for the necessities of life”. Did you ever think that once all these were added, the terms “cozy” and “small” would no longer apply?
Or is that the point?
So many townspeople wondered why there was not one central place that we could meet, share a party, dance, exercise, listen to a lecture, send our children to knowing they were off the streets free of crime.
So many? How many people get all excited in rural NH “go to a lecture” – really? Parties generally are a normal part of the general life – the building they are often held in is generally called a "home". And if shoveling all this snow this winter isn’t exercise enough, come on over – I still have plenty!
I think the kookiest one is “ send our children to knowing they were off the streets free of crime”. If you are living in a rural area, and they are children, they will have to walk or ride their bikes…on those self-same crime ridden streets in rural New Hampshire. Really – how "crime" ridden is Moultonborough???
If you really look at those items – it all adds up to a lifestyle of leisure wants. Not needs; wants.
By definition, a community in Merriam Webster’s Dictionary is an interacting population of various kinds of individuals (as species) in a common location.
"Species". That’s part of a community? Of people? Now, I know that taxonomically, we humans are a species. But to put that in a Letter connotes something…..but I can’t put my finger on it. I guess I’m just a hick…..
Well, here’s the actual definition
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural com·mu·ni·ties
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English comunete, from Anglo-French communité, from Latin
communitat-, communitas, from communis
Date: 14th century
1:a unified body of individuals: as a:state, commonwealth b:the people with common interests living in a particular area; broadly :the area itself <the problems of a large community> c:an interacting population of various kinds of individuals (as species) in a common location d:a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society <a community of retired persons> e:a group linked by a common policy f:a body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic, and political interests <the international community> g:a body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered through a larger society <the academic community>
You might think that I’m nitpicking, but c’mon, we a merely "a species"? If so, what is the use of a community center? I think of the above definitions, I would have picked a different one…..
We continue to call ourselves a community, however, we leave for most of our needs outside of the library, town hall, post office, and a school event.
So, a community is now defined by this newly arrived person by what is or what is not in town for “things” it possess rather than for the people that are in it? She concentrates not on the bonds that have already existed for years between its residents but for the buildings in town (or lack thereof)?
We run into our friends far more in Shaw’s Supermarket than in Heath’s which takes us out of our community.
Again, this is so typical – a community is defined by what it does not vs what it does have. Instead of cherishing what is present, it is downgraded for what it does not have.
And tell us, is this travel to Shaw’s forced on you? Tell us, do you not have the freedom to shop at Heath’s? So isn’t it a bit of hypocrisy that you complain about the size of the town but deliberately shop out of town so as to not organically grow your own community? You raise your nose at the community that you are trying to call home?
Or do you pine for a home that only exists elsewhere?
There is very little "in common" about our interactions in this community as is stated a community should be.
The question, the hard question, is who are you to tell the present community that they are not a proper community? After a year and a half, I surmise that you might just be starting to know your fellow townfolk – NH people aren’t particularly enamored of “air kisses” and faux airs – it takes time, sometimes a long time, to develop the kinds of linkages you are seeking (but by the wrong method).
Have you ever thought that by putting down the citizens and the Town of Moultonborough, as you have complained about so far, that you may well be self-selecting out of those friendships and that sense of community? After all, who wants to deal with a newly arrived carpetbagger that immediately begins the screeds of “you’re not good enough” and that the town must change according to their norms?
However, a community center and the prospect of all our recreation needs being significantly improved holds promise for our community to connect, find common ground, show empathy to a variety of age populations because we actually interact with each other if only to say hello in passing on our way in or out of our community/senior center.
Oh yeah, only saying “Hi there!” is going to deepen community bonds. Isn’t that just a tad bit – superficial?“All of our recreation needs” – oh Hallelujah, salvation is at hand! We won’t ever have to wish for another thing again! If she really wants this to be true, this project will have to graduate from edifice to grandiose in a heartbeat (or a few millions of dollars, take your pick).
Look, get real. A building is not going to do any of these things. The staff that will have to be paid to run the place and programs will not do or provide all these things either (any more than the staff at an exclusive country club is going to enhance your self-esteem other than that they do your bidding).
If you want all these psychological or spiritual benefits, there is one and only one answer to your sense of "needs "– that is you yourself. It seems that you have a tremendous lack of being involved. Trust me, get involved in the people – buildings generally don’t seem to care. You don’t need a “community center” to achieve these goals – you only need YOU.
As a Family and Community Nurse Practitioner trained at the master’s level, I have expertise in evaluating the needs of communities of all ages and diverse backgrounds. I practiced with personal integrity and sought ethical truths in constantly changing environments.
I cannot help but think "let’s brag about ME! I know better than you about what you need – let me prove it to me!". And you should believe me too!
Please, what the heck is"ethical truths"? Here we go with the psychobabble / New Age histronics. And with this humanist phrase, who is the grand poobah that decides what is "truth" and what is "ethical"? And what does that have to do with tax money (the main topic)? And what will "ethical truths" mean if your idea of "ethical truth" id directly in opposition of someone else’s common sense? What if it is voted down? In your eyes, will the voters become "unethical" or will they have merely "lied" to themselves to fit your narrative?
Is it ethical for you to force your vision on others? Remember 93% of the folks in Town DIDN’T sign your petition.
As a RSPT committee member, I bring forward my professional background to evaluate the plan, financial responsibility, and health and mental well being benefits. I have been a part of the process in cheering the ideas while remaining grounded and offering other thought provoking alternatives as well based on my experience. While I serve as an interested community member, I also offer my professional expertise to this committee and the town at large. Having said that, it is most important to me that you as a governing body understand how responsible this plan is on so many levels and likewise, how irresponsible it is to put the brakes on a long overdue plan to improve our community.
Sigh…I just do not know what to say here (my head hurts). She certainly likes her "professional expertise".
I hope that it has been obvious to see that I take an unbiased approach.
Nope, it’s not obvious, and no, you’re not unbiased. What is clear so far is that you are ticked that Moultonborough does not have all the amenities (goodness gracious, not even a “proper supermarket”!) that it should based solely on your definition of what "community" should be.
And it seems that you are bound and determined to get what you want so that the “sticks” won’t seem so “sticky”.
There are many aspects of the community center that will not improve my life directly, however, it will improve the community.
‘Course it won’t – your needs are not to be met within Moultonborough until your expectations are changed to meet the community. You made that quite clear in her opening paragraphs. Yet, some of the folks’ needs in town are such that this Community Center is far from being a need – the basics are. By building and operating this, you might make that much harder for them.
Note: It should not be that the community change itself for you; rather, it is the other way around.
There are aspects of the community such as Meals on Wheels that don’t improve my life.
Let’s face it – unless Mr. St Amand fritters away the family fortune being a Venture Capitalist, it is doubtful that she would be availing herself of that program – a program that may well be needed for those who can not afford the taxes that would be “growing the sense of community” in your fashion.
Why is it that those who want larger government never seem to connect the dots financially? Clueless pills? Or do we thank our educational system for not teaching proper civics, math, and a sense of playing good checkers (it teaches that there are consequences to making bad decisions rather painlessly, readying one for more important decisions).
But I am a community member so I support such services wholeheartedly. When I hear townspeople, including Selectmen, express concern over their own retirement issues in regards to supporting this plan, I am disheartened because they are negating the need to look at the progression of our community as a whole.
No, you are being selfish, plain and simple. Again, at the rather young age of 40 or so, your husband has already retired. This is a dream far beyond (and already past) many of us. Most people in town are not as privileged are you; perhaps a bit more of humility and a wee bit less of hubris could be served the next time you go to the diner for some home cookin’?
Note: there is NOTHING wrong with people voting their pocketbooks. Or voting for the needs of their families before the wants of the community.
The townfolk that you denigrate (as they think of their ability to provide for their loved ones in seeing what may come over the horizon financially during their Golden Years) obviously have a better handle on the actual needs of their community than you. One reason may well be (more than likely) far closer financially to those in real need than you. They understand the potential heartache far better. And probably, are a bit more wise as well.
Again, being a “transplant” versus an “escapee” often means that the empathy you allude to above , at least the financial aspect, totally escapes you.
If the Selectmen truly believe in the definition of community, an interacting population of various kinds of individuals (as species) in a common location,
You know, “as species” is getting annoying. Stop it. The residents are people, not “species”.
then I believe you need to take a look inside yourselves and ask why you could possibly lead our community to believe that this plan is anything but responsible
Here we go again with the "stupid" part again – if you do not agree with me!.
and beneficial to the growth and development of our community at large. Moving forward to approve the requested $375K for the Architectural and Engineering phase allows us to move forward in getting the proper information to our community for further consideration.
Note: a lot of people don’t have to spend a lot of money to have already figure it is not a good fit for the Town at this time….that’s call
ed being frugal….and not stupid. And just think – they may not WANT the town to get larger.This community is counting on your support even if they don’t understand the impact of forgoing your support and this Recreation Strategic Plan.
Another translation: "In closing, just let me call you all stupid once again. After all, we’re only talking on the order of $90 / resident?" What’s that to a wife of a successful Venture Capitalist (to heck with the thought that this amount, for some, can be the better part of a week’s take home pay)?
Respectfully,
Lisa St. AmandUgh
________________________________________________________________
Well, having fisked the Missus, let’s serve up the Mister, shall we?
Oh, over at my original post, a Mr. Glenn Smith decided to leave a rather long comment. Given that I am a "guest" of the MCA crew (whom I support to the hilt!), I will respond to it at my site ("Martha, throw anotha log on the fiyah, willya?") in a little bit.
BTW, Mr. Smith – as opposed to your attempt at a jiffy opening, the name I use at the Moultonboro Citizens Alliance site is NOT an alias – it is my name (albeit a nickname but one I’ve used for, oh, 40-odd years).
_________________________________________________________________Although I am originally from MA and do not live in Moultonborough, I believe that with 23 years in the Lakes Region, I have seen plenty of my fellow native staters head north to NH. Many of these "transplants" have come for the views and some for the "quality of life" issues. Other "escapees", like myself, came more for the philosophy of "Live Free or Die" and the lower taxes.
I think I recognize these Letter writers that were listed earlier – the St. Amands. Let’s see which camp they fall into!
Editor, The Citizen:
The Town of Moultonborough will benefit in many ways from the establishment of a modern, well-equipped Community/Senior Center. Those benefits will spread into every aspect of our town’s population from young children to active and less active seniors.
Ah yes, the dreams, the hopes, the aspirations! What was originally a small idea has blossomed – Taj Mahal anyone? And not just in the building, but also in the operation thereof. For you see, simple programs begat more programs which begat more staffing requiring more stuff. Which costs more money. But that never seems to be part of the lexicon of those promising the benefits. After all, it is always about the "quality of life" (and not the cost thereof).
There has been opposition to the community center by a few vocal people, but I am willing to bet all our residents will enjoy some aspects of the center.
A few? I do believe it is more than a few! And vocal is what they need to be – the norm is to continually grow at the expense of those that cannot spend. Finally, there is a group that has the courage to stand up for those folks and buck that status quo – just like you did in the telcom industry.
I will not repeat the multitude of benefits derived from a community center as they have been extensively articulated in the committee’s report and presentations to the Selectmen.
I retired with my family here in the summer of 2006. I have two children in the public school system and a pre-schooler.
And that’s the rub. Having started Telica, sold out to Lucent Technologies which then got bought out by Alcatel, Mr. St Amand is living the life that most of us only can read about. Successful beyond most others’ dreams also means that what he can support is also beyond most residents’ ability. Time after time, the "rich" come into a town from other places (in this case, MA) where everything abounds (but you pay for it in taxes).
Previous to our move we vacationed in Moultonborough. My support is not based on a fiscal whim or that of an emotional stance, but rather from a position of need in all our lives here in Moultonborough.
The question is that of "need or want"? Is it a nice to have, or a need to have? Once again, the question must be raised – is it the proper role of local government to supply all the things that perhaps the private sector should be instead? Should the wants of the few be credited more than the financial means of the many?
Again, the "vocal few" come into view – long time residents, far longer than your residency of a couple of years, that because of your stance, may be pushed out due to cost of higher taxes.
I have been very fortunate with my business successes to allow my family the opportunity to retire and live in probably one of the most beautiful regions in the country.
Yup, not an "escapee". You have the financial means to advocate for a large capital project. For you, the marginal cost of your taxes is probably easily borne. Thus, it is fair to ask – when you talk about the community, do you think of these folks that are long time residents but of limited means or only what you believe is "necessary"?
We have great natural resources for tourism, our schools perform very well and our services are held in high regard given the small size of our full-time population. We need to continually look forward as a town to keep Moultonborough as a great place to raise families and to retire.
Money is not everything – hopefully a lesson that you have learned. The problem is, it is a problem when you do not have such financial resources. Notice the use of "small size" – given that, large increases are spread over a relatively small number of people. While those that are of "means" believe it is a given to continually spend, why is there no consideration of those that cannot?
Our town is facing a critical juncture as to what we will leave our residents for the next 20 years.
The question can also be asked "if this goes forward, will all those that are here now be able to afford to enjoy all of the beauty of the town then? Or do you not care? Towns are not "legacies" to build.
We all have concerns with the present state of the economy, the cost of housing, and a tax system that relies on property valuations.We have little or no commercial tax base to supplement our residential tax base and the uncertainty of statewide education funding puts further pressure into the equation. The solution at this time is NOT to starve the community of a key component that takes a major step toward enhancing our town’s quality of life.
You know, I really had to read this a few times……let’s list the all the reasons why this edifice should not be built based on the economic uncertainty the citizens of the town must face. Yet, given that uncertainty, let’s SPEND in the face of what is happening! After all, nothing should ever trump the "quality of life" (a phrase whose importance to "progressives" is only out-pointed by that of "it’s for the children").
Oh yeah, this too – let’s remake the state in our former state’s image – taxes! Do I smell a broad based taxer here? It is
really kinda of sad that for a person who says:The community center will bring greater value to our town, our full-time and part-time residents, and visitors. This multi-generational facility will be a key factor in further establishing Moultonborough as a town where people want to live.
Clue one – pssstt – (whispering here) – they all ready do want to live in Moultonborough – that’s why they are here already. Many more may want to, but cannot because of taxes. Get the connection?
People desire to be in towns/cities with good schools, amenities, and services. If we fail to continually add value to our town and enhance people’s quality of life we will degrade our property values and lose our residents.
Try real hard to make this fit – by continuing to spend more and more, the only solution is to raise taxes. Look at MA – it is losing population; NJ is suffering even more and CA even worse. What’s the link – high taxes!
It is evident throughout history in towns/cities that let their municipal facilities and services degrade, businesses move out, property values decline, and recovery often never happens.
A species argument – no one is advocating to not keep up what is already there – this is about adding, at a time of financial uncertainty for many,a large capital expense and a large operational expense.
Where the need for such needs to be settled by a majority of the folks. And they should be voting their own interest and not to just satisfy the "noble" sentiments of those to whom finances are of small concern.
I applaud our town and your efforts to date with key investments in the Town Hall, Library, Life Safety Building and the High School. These have been very high value yielding investments by us that have moved Moultonborough into a "great town to live in" category.
It is fair to say that these can easily be seen as needs. There is no hard and fast "need" for what you are advocating – for if there was, wouldn’t private industry have supplied such a need?
The Community/Senior Center provides, in my mind, the glue to bring the entire community together with a variety of activities and social offerings geared for virtually all age brackets. This should be our next investment in our town.
If a town truly needs a simple building to bring it together, there are more important problems with that notion (think about it)
We do not have shopping malls, activity centers, senior programs, pre-school activities, teen centers, etc. where we can participate in social or physical activities as readily as other towns and cities.
Once again, we see the philosophy of "only government can satisfy our wants and our needs – we ourselves are victims of our small town." Help us, oh big spenders – build us a building that will save our souls!
Blech…..
The result will be a better place to live, a higher quality of life and a town whose valuation will continue to be sustained/grow even in challenging economic times.
Only those that are financially set are concerned with increased valuations in uncertain times. What about the rest of the residents?
Please realize we need to gather around and support this community center in the best interest of all the residents here in Moultonborough.
How about this for an idea – making the town more affordable for its present residents and others that wish to move to enjoy the splendor of which you speak? Or, are your snobbish millions trying to lock the barn behind you and raise the bar with higher taxes?
John St. Amand
Moultonborough(formerly of Taxachuesetts, where taxes are so much higher, they just seem lower here)
