To The Editor

    Without a doubt, we are all aware of the significance of the Prop 2 1/2 override vote that looms before us. There is an aspect that has troubled me regarding the discourse that has taken place recently.
    The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen has, on a number of occasions, admonished the Vote No supporters for not presenting facts to support their stance.  He has stated that these supporters seem to be just reacting emotionally with frustration and anger.
    This week, most residences in Lunenburg have received a flyer which presents the facts that we all need to consider in an objective manner.  It is cast in stone that if the override passes everyone who owns property will be paying 11.7 percent more in taxes starting in July 2012 (the beginning of FY 2013).  But, have you realized, with this override increase permanently added to your taxes, in five years (July 2016, the beginning of FY 2017) your bill will be 23.3 percent more than you paid this year.  Why the added amount?  Because this extra override amount will also have 2.5 percent added to it each year by Prop 2 1/2. And remember, this increase in taxes does not even include what will possibly be heaped on your tax bill within this 5-year period by our increased indebtedness for any type of new school/renovation project!
    Well, just move! A nice option which no longer exists. There are at least 90 homes for sale in Lunenburg at this point in time. One-third of owners have lowered their price within the past four months. Other individuals are trying to sell pieces of their property to stay afloat. Read the signs: For sale; Price reduced; New price; Lot for sale. You have seen these signs stay on lawns many months and many new ones appear. If you can't sell the property you own, you certainly do not have the option of moving to a less expensive area of the state or country to escape this governmental financial tyranny.
    So, what can you do if you don't think your income is going to increase by July 2016 so that you can pay the local government and schools a property tax increase of at least 23.3 percent?  Just say “no”! to the override.  Just vote “no” on Question 1 on Saturday, May 19.

Jane DeNike,
Lunenburg