Trust CLT to protect seniors from tax hikes

To the editor:

As a longtime member of Citizens for Limited Taxation, I was puzzled by a recent letter encouraging the passage of House Bill 2840. The letter (and the bill's supporters) claimed low-income seniors would receive some sort of property tax relief if their incomes were below $60,000 and paid a certain percentage of that income for property tax. The letter went on to question the intelligence and motivation of Rep. Jay Barrows regarding his vote on this matter.

I don't know the author's motives, but I do know the motives of both CLT and Jay Barrows. The one group that has protected all taxpayers, and especially seniors, from much higher property taxes has been CLT and those people like Jay Barrows who back them up. CLT definitely opposes this bill and would encourage you to contact senators Brown and Timilty and tell them not to support it!

This "Trojan Horse" bill is an attempt to drive down the number of concerned seniors who would naturally vote against Prop 2 ½ overrides. There is no guarantee for these seniors that the town or city would honor this promised "reduced" rate once seniors voted for an override. Once the property taxes have been increased, it will be impossible for anyone to get them reduced and get some much deserved relief. The chief sponsor of this bill does not hide the fact that she is simply trying to pass H2840 in order to approve a nearly $200 million override in Newton. The logical thing for Rep. Barrows to do was vote against this bill and prevent future increases in property taxes for all homeowners. His motivation as a state rep is the same as it was before he was elected - to help the local communities however he can.

Keith Ninesling
Mansfield




Senator earns praisefor child protection

To the editor:

Sincerest congratulations to Sen. Scott Brown for introducing a bill that will not allow parents who have been convicted of assault or neglect to care for foster children.

This is a bill that uses common sense, genuine logic and shows a caring heart.

I know we all agree that in the Haleigh Poutre case, where she was beaten with a baseball bat and left in a coma, this bill would have protected her. God forbid it should happen to another young person.

Thank you, Sen. Brown! Keep up the humane spirit. Continuing on with this type of leadership, our children will be protected.

Maureen, Tom
and the Howard Family
Norfolk


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