Town Warrant Article 18 - 24 - Two Thumbs Down
Two 'Grok Thumbs Down
(Wish we had more thumbs...)
We are philosophically opposed to the use of local property taxes to fund these charities / Non-Governmental Organizations / Outside Agencies.
It is much easier to convince a few elected or appointed officials to give taxpayer money to them so that is why their concentration on Government instead of the citizenry. I believe that charity, and the donations to charities, should be an individual choice - the voluntary giving of one's personal funds is a true act of charity.
Governmental bodies giving tax money to charities is neither charity nor voluntary on behalf of the taxpayers.
Remember, if you vote "yes" to all of these, you are raising taxes by $81,435. While you may individually be in favor of one or more of these organizations, ask yourself "Is it right to coerce your neighbor to support that otherwise they would not"?
Personally, I have my slate of charities that I give to - I really do not want to give to this set and would rather be able to give my money to those I believe deserve it better.
Article 18: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $32,359 for the Youth Services Bureau. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen, Not recommended by the Budget Committee).
Article 19: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $23,500 for Community Health and Hospice,Inc. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen, Not recommended by the Budget Committee).
Article 20: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $3,400 for Child and Family Services. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen, Not recommended by the Budget Committee).
Article 21: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $8,345 for the Community Action Program. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen, Not recommended by the Budget Committee).
Article 22: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $1,800 for New Beginnings. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen, Not recommended by the Budget Committee).
Article 23: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $8,749 for Genesis Behavioral Health. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen, Not recommended by the Budget Committee).
Article 24: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $3,330 for the American Red Cross. (Recommended by the Board of Selectmen, Not recommended by the Budget Committee).
Principle: Charity, by definition, is an individual choice and decision, not governmental. It is not Charity when tax money has to be given to fund a charity.
Our recommendation to our fellow citizens is to vote "NO" on all of these article.
Also, our recommendation to these NGOs is to reach out to citizens instead of the Towns; solicit charitable donations and not tax money.
