To the Editor,
By joining the multi-state TCI compact, Massachusetts would be ceding its taxing sovereignty to an out-of-state, unelected, non-governmental agency, which would be granted the power to further increase the price of fuel in our state without any approval by our own duly elected officials, or subject to any voters.
The state needs to put more resources toward roads and infrastructure, but this is not the way to go. The additional tax on gas and diesel fuel could cost the City of Westfield as much as 30,000 dollars a year.
The Transportation and Climate Initiative is falling apart in several states and in the Statehouse in Boston, because of the opposition of concerned citizens and leaders in New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut have expressed concerns or opposed participating in (TCI). Cities like Foster and Woonsocket passed similar resolutions.
With Westfield and ten other communities without a state senator, I hoped and worked so
Westfield would still lead on an important issue that would affect the proper role of government in levying taxes and how people live their daily lives. I am working with city councilors in other cities to pass resolutions. Agawam recently passed a resolution opposing the carbon tax.
I will always remain respectful as I work everyday to put the people of Westfield and their interests first, above politics. It is unfortunate and somewhat baffling, how a resolution initially with nine councilors as co-sponsors and a Mayor ready to sign it, can fail in the Council.
The Massachusetts Constitution states all taxes must originate in the State House. No political money or power grabs should ever be allowed to get around that.
I served three years overseas in the Army to defend this country and the U.S. Constitution, our way of life, and the freedoms we enjoy. Handing control of taxes, our right to be self-governing or our economy over to any entity or agency, which is not subject to any voters or body politic is one of the most dangerous and stupid things we could ever do.
Dan Allie
City Councilor
