Dear Editor:

For weeks now we have been barraged by a smokescreen of advertising, yard signs. TV movies and free lunches. Suspicions are raised.

True, infrastructure, in this case a roundabout, is essential in forming a TIF District. Yet, this distraction might be designed to deflect and conceal serious economic pain, which could befall Boothbay tax payers down the road if Articles 2, 3 and 4 are approved.

Our selectmen seek our consent to enter into a contract with principal developer, Paul Coulombe. If concluded we may agree, for up to 30 years to return to Mr. Coulombe all taxes generated in the TIF. This is know as a subsidy.

Mr. Coulombe makes no secret that his proposed string of stores around the Boothbay green could generate $3.6 million dollars over this time.

Our selectmen further recommend that, in the interest of stimulus, tax payers be co-signers of debt incurred in the district. If for any reason entities do not pay their bills we will.

As principal developer, we may assume Mr. Coulombe to be the chief honcho. He can use Boothbay tax dollars as his bankroll. Boothbay residents become his partners — and bankers.

When introduced in Maine, TIFs eradicated blight and created year-round employment. We have seen little regarding jobs in Boothbay.

Lawyers and accountants have discovered TIFs. In some cases, using loopholes, they have benefited clients while leaving local residents with hefty tax bills.

Hopefully, this will not be the case in Boothbay, and approval of these articles is the harbinger of good for all.

However, there are import financial consequences. We have known hard times and business failures. Are we wrong to exercise prudence and caution, to insist that we be involved in every step of this TIF process? Why sign a blank check?

Having seen the smoke let us not be consumed by the fire.

Vote no on Articles 2, 3 and 4.

Paul E. McArdle

Boothbay