I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe summer.
Over the weekend, I marched in the Hampton Ponds Association’s 60th Fourth of July parade. Congratulations to HPA President Cheryl Crowe and this vibrant neighborhood group that celebrates community, patriotism and family. Their events are always well organized, attended and involve the children from the youngest to the four scholarships that the group works all year to raise money for. I invite all of you to attend one of their fundraising dinners held throughout the year. The price is low, the people and food are awesome.
I also reflected on the meaning of Independence Day. I was reminded that “Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity and happiness of the people; and not for the profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of individuals” – John Adams
It was disappointing week in politics, locally, nationally and globally with the status quo doing its best to thwart the interests of the people. From the European central planners and banksters’ reaction to Britain’s exit from the EU; to the FBI and Justice Departments decision not to take any action regarding Secretary Clinton’s obvious misstatements and mishandling of classified information; to the Massachusetts Supreme Court decision not to allow Ending Common Core on the ballot in November, because the Attorney General Maura Healey “improperly certified” the ballot question.
Then there was the city budget process.
For the third year in a row, I have voted against the city budget because I believe that local government can and must do a better job of spending the money it has, by living within its means and the ability of residents and businesses to pay property taxes.
The mayor’s budget increased taxes by 3.5 percent, increased the meals tax, instituted a hotel tax, used $900,000 in free cash, and gave out pay raises to all city employees.
Where do these people think the money is going to come from?
The queestion is how do we balance the burden and ability of Westfield residents and businesses to pay taxes while providing essential services. People elected us to work together, to get things done and be fiscally responsible. For the last two years, I have proposed and the council has passed a resolution to form a working group, to meet with the mayor and discuss areas where a majority of the council could support the mayor and shoulder some of the responsibility in an attempt to hold the line on taxes. Unfortunately, no action has been taken.
Seniors did not receive a cost in living allowance this year. Their investments and the economy have been flat. Working families and small businesses are struggling with stagnant wages, no jobs and a slow economy. Property values have decreased and been flat for six years, which dictates how much Westfield can tax under Propostion 2 ½ before hitting the levy ceiling. If Westfield reaches the ceiling, our only options for revenue will be from new growth, tax overides, increased fees, cuts in services or payroll. The city payroll accounts for over 70 million dollars of our budget.
We have already seen jobs eliminated, especially for young people with the recent increase in the minimum wage. Anything that affects small business or people’s ability to spend money or adds costs has an affect on the real economy. This is why politicians should not try to manage the economy. If they knew what they were doing, they could run real businesses. That is why most politicians work for government, or worse, quasi, non-governmental agencies.
After the last housing bubble, (also inspired by the Federal Reserve central bank and other government polices) property values have been flat and actually decreased over the last six years. It is not unreasonable to assume that values are going up by any great measure in the short term with a slow growth economy and high taxes.
Not to pick on teachers, but please considerthe impact of just one item from the city budget.The School Committee voted to on a new teacher’s contract increasing salaries by 1.5% in year one and 2.5% for each of the next two years; for a total cost of over $4.3 million in the next three years.
Revenue from new growth has averaged just under a million dollars a year.
This one line item will use all the revenue from expected new growth over the next three years.
Property taxes are one of the most regressive taxes, and have a profound impact on the local economy, inflation, housing costs, people’s lives, discretionary income, and decisions about how long to stay in their present home, in Westfield, or even in Massachusetts.
Some of our politicians need to do a better job of listening to, serving and fighting for the interests of the people and small business. Instead, some politicians are openly dismissive of comments by ordinary folks and small business owners, and downright disrespectful to taxpayers.
I believe the economy works best when people can hold onto more of their money a little longer to spend and invest, before government confiscates it. We are taxed enough already. Eventually, government gets all the money through taxation.
I have taken a balanced approach of generating more revenue, holding the line on spending while supporting local businesses and new growth.
I worked for increased funding from the state for local aid for education, and more money for roads. To his credit, Governor Baker has maintained local aid and provided increased funding for roads, despite inheriting a budget shortfall and lower than expected revenues this year, while not increasing taxes. Unfortunately, none of this money was used to fix our roads.
The council supported a modest increase in the sewer rates to provide funding for much needed improvements over the next six years throughout the city, beginning with Papermill Road.I supported a slight increase in the hotel tax, since non-residents will pay for it. The amount is projected around $75,000 a year; which is a drop in the bucket if we don’t control spending.
Next month, the city will have a truck-mounted unit using infrared technology to begin fixing the patchwork of potholes we call roads in Westfield. This will allow the city to stop wasting money on cold patch and spending so much on private contractors.
I would like to thank everyone, from the mayor and the council and city, for their efforts on the budget. However, I believe we can do better.We are all in this together and need to work together,.
Dan Allie
City Councilor
