It was interesting to read the letters to the Boothbay Register explaining opinions on the questions presented for the special town meeting. I'm excited for the public discussion of these issues. They are certainly complex questions. I respect the democratic process but also understand public perception and the influence from media outlets. I do not desire to persuade anyone to vote in one way or the other but I strongly wish that residents make a decision with accurate information. The opinions represented in the last few letters were great insight but portray several aspects of the issues incorrectly. The newspaper even had some facts improperly stated.

At the last Boothbay Board of Selectmen's meeting we discussed a public hearing schedule, informational meetings, and open office hours. Municipal tax increment financing, municipal bonds, and economic development are complicated municipal discussions. The Selectmen and I will deliver as much information as possible in the next five weeks. Boothbay has proven that it can handle complex and complicated topics. Educate yourself, ask questions, and understand there are skeptics to every public idea.

To help educate people on the topics the town has put together a collection of information related to the special town meeting questions on the website. Please visit www.townofboothbay.org or swing by the Town Office. The office staff would be glad to help you out. Sit down and discuss these issues with the professionals that know the concepts the best. The Town of Boothbay staff have all been briefed on these concepts. The Selectmen have not directed staff to answer with any bias.  Watch Channel 7.  The Selectmen are setting aside time to discuss these concepts and its very informative.

Boothbay Harbor Country Club is expanding to add $22 Million dollars’ worth of new taxable value.  No tax breaks are being given to that business.  They have been coordinating with the town because of shared interest.  We can use this new development to promote more tax value and shelter ourselves against negative subsidy effects, or, we can allow things to take a more traditional path.  Either way it is an opportunity for the taxpayer’s of Boothbay.  We should be well informed, listen to the facts, and make a good decision.  Neither the Selectmen nor I want to make the decision for you but we do want to provide the information necessary to vote.

Finally, I believe that these questions are as empirical to a community's identity as the comprehensive planning process. The answer from the legislative body sets the direction for the years to come. The increase to the tax rate was hard for many and those people want to know how to increase the tax base to minimize future occurrences and create more self-reliance.