A Corridor of Shame

The Corridor 495 Chamber of Commerce was solicited or decided to become involved in Northboro's election by coming out against town residents who are struggling with high property taxes and living costs. The problem is state wide and well known with many written articles addressing the financial impacts to families and individuals. A call for a dual tax rate triggered the resistance which also became a major issue for those running for Town selectmen positions. Its unusual to see a CC insert itself into a local election. Endorsing a single tax rate is one thing but to steal decision authority from town residents concerning taxes is quite another. Saying that it helps to keep Northboro "competitive" is an untruth and ignores the real problem of reduced expendable income. There is no data or studies that supports such a position or statement. Their June 8 letter and political postcard that followed in essence is saying that the Chamber can block or displace residents interest for private profit. The strategy of insulting and demeaning the very people who support the business community and on who it depends is most unique. It represents an arrogant maneuver especially when aimed at a candidate who was calling for corrective action. It is the people who make the town not the Chamber nor businesses.

Before 1978, everyone paid the same tax rate. Now expenses have exceeded income and wages which necessitates a shift in tax burden to commercial and industrial businesses. One third of the 351 cities and towns within the Commonwealth is said to have classified tax rates. Many more are under consideration. If "competitiveness" were a real issue you wouldn't see this this.

If COVID-19 has stretched businesses to the max, town residents have also felt the pressures of inequities. There is no sustainability in continually raising property taxes. If the Chamber doesn't understand this ten it is misrepresenting its members. Maybe it's simply a case of the people being regarded as having less economic value than businesses. Not exactly a progressive path forward nor a caring one for those of us who serve as the foundation to the business enterprises they supposedly represent. A business climate obsessed with taxes defeats both favorable consumer relationships and alternate economic strategies so badly needed. If anything this crisis should be a motivational force for positive change not more divisiveness.

GIB CHASE