Does Newton have a bad habit that needs to be broken? Is there something we as a community or a municipality should resolve to do in 2017? Share your hopes, dreams and new years resolutions here.
What’s your new year’s resolution for Newton?
by Greg Reibman | Dec 28, 2016 | Newton | 7 comments
Since we have a mayoral race this year, I’m hoping we will see a candidate who’s willing to stand up to property tax exempt institutions, and make them pay their fair share. Property taxes go up for everyone else every year, and they make Newton less affordable. Meanwhile, these wealthy institutions pay next to nothing. It’s time we had a mayor with the courage to look the leaders of these institutions in the eye, and tell them in no uncertain terms… THE FREE RIDE IS OVER!!!
Mike,
I agree with you 100%, but the problem is they hold all the cards. How would you approach them??
Hi Tom– Personally, I’d approach these institutions with Teddy Roosevelt’s “big stick” in one hand, and an invoice for city services in the other. These freeloaders may be tax exempt, but they are not bill exempt. The city has the right to establish in lieu of tax fees, and bill these institutions accordingly. We could use a new mayor with the courage to stand up to institutions like BC, instead of kissing their behinds.
Thank you to Mike for repeating this issue again! And thanks for reminding me of its importance. Every time we as individuals pay our property taxes, we are, among many other things, justifying our existence within this city. These institutions are way past justifying their existence and what they bring to the table vs. what they extract that eventually lands on the taxpayer’s back. I look forward to doing my own homework on this subject further.
I’m hoping for an all around better year.
I’m hoping for a robust, informative election with varied challengers on every front who have a good chance at winning.
I’m hoping for a new charter proposal that’s been tweaked a bit, a city council that stops trying to make everyone happy and a mayor that stays engaged in Newton while he’s campaigning.
I’d really like to see Newton politicians and activists standing up for those who need more attention than they have been receiving, developments like Austin Street and Washington Place getting started, public housing getting its water tested, housing for low income earners built in every Ward and residents agreeing that living with those who look, speak and live differently from them brings great benefits for both.
I have a Village 14 resolution. Resolved: to start pitching in with some posts in the new year. I just noticed that Greg has posted 19 of the last 2o items on village 14.
While Greg is doing a great job, I don’t think he can keep this thing going all by his lonesome. What about the rest of you’se?
@Jerry: Great idea! I’m in!
oh wait.
P.S. Yes, I could use some help here.