Dear Editor:

I have to agree with Win Mitchell's letter in last week’s Boothbay Register about the TIF vote in Boothbay. I believe that voting yes on Questions 2 and 3 will give the town a better chance of attracting new businesses and year-round jobs to Boothbay. Everyone should be in favor of more jobs and a stronger local economy.

Let’s face it: Boothbay is getting to be a very expensive place to live. Young people can’t afford to move here (or stay here), and a lot of long-time homeowners are at risk to losing their homes because of higher expenses and property taxes.

More than 80 percent of the town’s budget comes from property taxes, and if we don’t lower that percentage, property taxes will continue to rise as the cost of services grow.

We have to do something, and that’s why Questions 2 and 3 are on the ballot next month. These proposals give the town a better chance of attracting new jobs without costing taxpayers a dime or changing the small town atmosphere we all love here in the region. They make good common sense, and good economic sense as well.

Please vote yes on Questions 2 and 3. Look at the big picture and look toward a better future for all of us.

Pete Ripley
East Boothbay