The taxpayers in Salem, New Hampshire rejected a 23 million dollar bond to fund a new Safety Complex. We reported on the situation in Salem back on February 23rd.
There is one dissenting selectman who is concerned about the process, the cost, the lack of enough open debate, and the refusal to seriously consider cheaper alternatives….
As has become the habit of local boards of late debate becomes a one-sided affair and the rules are changed to protect the people from dissenting voices. But! have the Salem Mahalists, the Taj-a-goo goo’s if you like, done something in their zeal in violation of the law?
The violation was a matter of paid advocacy for the measure by four of the five selectman, using the town seal on their missive, and posting it on public property.
Illegal activity on the part of local boards and committees is not uncommon (understatement of the year?) and will not be forgotten–I’m waiting on some new information to pursue, but we can’t say whether this had any effect on the outcome of the vote–except to say that the risk yielded no reward.
Stephen Campbell, the dissenting selectman noted above, posted these thoughts on Facebook with regard to the taxpayers rejection of such opulence…
1) $23 million and the 6% tax impact was just too much
2) The process was flawed. This was all done out of the sight of most people.
3) It did not appear that any other alternatives were seriously considered.
4) When the Police and Fire failed to support the article it under cut the argument that it was unfair to have our employees working in such bad conditions.I think something needs to be done, but any plan that does not consider people’s ability to pay does not deserve the support of the people. In reality it is the number one reason listed above that is the primary reason for this failing. People can not be forced to vote for things that economically harm themselves.
A serious discussion about sensible improvements is in order. Lets just hope the Four Selectman of the Salem Apococomplex didn’t overplay their hand and scare off taxpayers by rushing their glorious $23 million dollar super-solution. Public safety personnel require a safe and operable working environment just any other employee in any other workplace. But as Mr. Campbell observes, you have to consider people’s ability to pay if you want their support.
