DAN ALLIE
How do we lower the property taxes and our tax burden in Westfield? As City Councilor and a homeowner paying these hefty tax bills, I am fully committed to finding ways to the end the ever increasing tax burden. I believe a little sunshine is the best disinfectant when it comes to understanding the problems government creates, whether it is overspending, bonding or just not having the correct priorities.
One reason why our property taxes have increased is due to state government’s wasteful spending and lack of priorities which are hurting cities like Westfield, homeowners, and small business owners, year after year. The State House cuts local aid, but continues wasting our tax dollars. That does not help to grow the economy or jobs.
When I was growing up, my parents taught me a valuable lesson; that if you watch your pennies then the dollars will take care of themselves. That is the philosophy I am working to bring the Westfield City Council. As your City Councilor, I am determined to be your fiscal watchdog.
Westfield was not singled out when local aid was cut. It is determined strictly on a formula. The problem is the Governor’s failure to recognize this funding is a priority and lifeline for communities. The state increased local aid last week by $25 million, but turned around and raised registry of motor vehicle fees and closed registry locations, leading to long lines. The state giveth and the state taketh away.
The Governor’s 2014-2015 budget increased spending by $2 billion, but there is no additional unrestricted local aid. Worse yet, we are paying more in state taxes and this money doesn’t come back to our city.
Last year, the state collected nearly a billion dollars in revenues above projections. That’s right, Boston took in an extra billion dollars in tax revenue—a surplus.
A million dollars in local aid would have come in handy filling in Westfield’s budget gap. Instead of restoring local aid, homeowners and businesses got hammered in January with a 3.4 percent property tax increase. Last year, our city budget was off $900,000. The city council knew it in June, and did not take action. In December, the council attempted a creative fix trying to reduce the tax increase, but the state would not allow it. We must control spending and bonding in Westfield, but I strongly believe that a minimum of 10 percent or $100 million should be used to restore cut local aid funds. Our tax dollars are best spent here at home, not in Boston.
With the state having a budget surplus, it is wrong for Boston to raise our taxes and reinstate western Mass. tolls to pay for more of their wasteful spending. Taking money out of the pockets of seniors living on fixed incomes and working families does not help Westfield’s economy or to grow jobs! We are taxing people out of their homes and jobs, and it needs to stop.
How did the state waste our tax dollars? Welfare fraud cost $200 million, the drug lab scandal cost $332 million dollars, the waste in just the MBTA maintenance department is $250 million, the health care connector website that is still not working wasted $11 million, and $9 million for the Governor’s office makeover.
As a small business owner and manager, my plan is to use my extensive experience to find savings that will benefit Westfield while reducing expenses. By creating a better climate for local businesses to start up in Westfield, we will be able to increase our tax base. That starts by leaving money in the pockets of consumers, and business people.
I ran for city council to fight for our shared priorities of accountability of our tax dollars and a lower tax burden. I strongly believe that government should work for us, not against us. With some hard work and using my business experience, I know that I can make a positive difference.
As your City Councilor, I remain committed to being a fiscal watchdog and protecting the taxpayers. And, I will use my business experience to help turnaround our economy and highlight problems as I see them.
On Saturday, April 5, from noon – 1 p.m., I will be at Two Rivers Burrito Co. to hear your concerns and ideas. As always, please feel free to call me at 413-455-6186. I am here to serve you.
Dan Allie
City Councilor At-large
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of this publication
