Dear Editor:

I am not a regular contributor to the “Letters to the Editor” but the proposed new TIF district in Boothbay has me so concerned I feel it is necessary to voice my opinions.

First, we should all keep in mind that the plan being considered was developed by a group who felt a 10 percent increase in this year’s tax rate represented a good job.

Although I disagree with such an argument, the past increase is not the issue. What is important is what can be done to avoid similar increases in the future.

Second, while I applaud the investment made so far at the Country Club, we should not assume that all of the proposed additional changes will ever come to fruition. Even if they do, I have to ask why this increase in the taxable real estate base should be isolated and treated differently than any other project.

It seems to me it would be far better to have the increase accrue to the benefit of all the tax payers of Boothbay. Further there is a real question in my mind as to the need for the projects proposed.

In fact, expansion of the sewer system has already been rejected twice by voters and this seems like another attempt to circumvent the will of the townspeople. As for creation of a roundabout in the center, it seems like a case of a solution looking for a problem.

I urge everyone to look at this proposal critically and not be swayed by the time worn argument that we should support it because “it's good for business.” Maybe we should also ask what's good for all the taxpayers.

Phil Simard
Boothbay