Dear Editor:

I do not feel the Boothbay TIF proposal is good for our town for several reasons.

First, there is the tying up of the tax money generated in the TIF district in such a way that it can only be used in the district. With less of our tax dollars being returned by the state, we need all the money in our general fund we can get. Whether you are a working family, a retired native or someone who has adopted the region, you know what it means to watch your tax bill climb.

Consider the recent attempt by the selectmen to cut road crew benefits. In the realm of town budgets, it was a small amount, but if we're in that bad a shape why do we want to take the TIF district revenue out of the general fund?

Much is made of how the TIF will enhance the Industrial Park and encourage job growth by bringing water to it. Unless you are engaged in some sort of heavy manufacturing that I question whether our water system could support, the need for water is for sanitary purposes, which is obviously already addressed. I remember the drought in the mid-1990s that caused a boil water order to be issued, and created concern among the hotels and restaurants. If another drought occurs, would added industrial demand aggravate the problems previously experienced?

Finally there is that promise that the TIF is going to create jobs. I have lived my entire adult life in Boothbay. For 45 years I have worked the boatyards, light industry, hospitality and tourism. I have listened to one scheme after another that would create jobs. None of them materialized. The various successful businesses we have here now are what works, not the multitude of dreams that have been proposed over the years.

Let's keep our tax dollars where they can best serve all of our needs, not just the needs of those in the proposed TIF district. Please say no to the TIF.

Earl Leavitt
Boothbay