Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor: Jan. 28, 2010
To the Editor:
Mudslinging in MA
Well I see they are back to the old mud slinging days in MA. Is it because Mr. Brown has some morals, or is it because he believes in what is the right thing to do? In my opinion it just might be because he isn't fooled by many things that are in that health bill they are trying so desperately to pass. There are too many sweet heart deals going around (which was brought out against the guy from Nebraska) to gain votes just to pass that bill.
Wake up America, before the time comes when you are wooed into "No Voice At All".
Tom Nicoli Sr.
Atkinson
To the Editor:
Angle Pond or Angry Pond
Five years ago, my husband and I where asked to sign a petition supporting the development of a 55 plus community. We signed in support of the proposed development because we where told that, as abutters, we would have access to the beautiful walking trails and an ice skating pond. To us this sounded great and we welcomed our 55 plus neighbors with open arms and a warm heart.
Unfortunately, soon after the development was built the association tried to have me and my husband arrested for trespassing on the walking trails. What a loss for our neighbors as both my husband and I have over 42 years of combined law enforcement experience. We are both educated, highly trained, and have a great respect for our elders. We come from an upbringing that was founded on the principles of “love thy neighbor”. It saddens us that our neighbors judge individuals on the way they look and the type of dog they own. Your loss as we are really nice people.
We have seen your numerous signs which clearly indicate your wishes to remain isolated and removed from our neighborhood and community. The most recent sign bands children from ice skating on the fire pond. This is extremely upsetting as one of our favorite winter scenes is watching the kids enjoy themselves engaging in this healthy activity. My I ask who are they harming or is the sound of children’s laughter considered noise pollution to you.
Your continued actions as an association confirm your close-minded and agonist attitude towards your neighbors and community. Like most NH residents, I moved to Hampstead because of the small town feel and sense of community. What’s next no laughing or running in your neighborhood? Remember it takes a village to raise a child. But then again, it is clear you don’t like children, large dogs or people who don’t met your standards. In closing I would like to say that my husband and I have met a handful of lovely people from your community and we will not judge them because of the ignorance of a few.
Despite your wishes to remain isolated from your neighbors, you are always welcome in our neighborhood, as we cherish new and old friends, regardless of their appearance, age and type of canine they own.
Bonnie and Joseph Johnson
East Hampstead
To the Editor:
Check your Cable Service
Attention to anyone who depends on a medical alarm system and also has Comcast for their television or computer service.
I had an emergency situation last week and discovered that my medic alarm (which I wear around my neck) didn't connect with the alarm company. At first I blamed the alarm people, but when the technician came the following day he discovered that someone had crossed the wires from the box. My Comcast box sits next to the alarm box under my TV. The only person who touches the connections are from Comcast and since there hasn't been a service call for some time, my alarm system probably hasn't been working for a while. Thankfully, I didn't need to call for help before this last situation. I called Comcast several times and the young people are very nice but have no power. I asked for a supervisor but never got to speak to one, and although they promised to call back no supervisor ever returned my call. I was given the telephone number of the President and the Customer Relations person in Pennsylvania, and I still haven't had anyone call me back.
It could have been a life or death situation and I am just grateful it wasn't.
This letter is to inform anyone who has both these services and has to call a Comcast repair person please verify that your alarm is working properly before you let him leave your house. I wouldn't want anyone to experience the trauma and panic it caused me.
I guess Comcast doesn't care. They just want you to pay your bill and not complain.
Gloria Abramson
Atkinson
To the Editor:
Is $2.56 a lot of money?
Recently, the Sandown Board of Selectmen held an unannounced, and a non-scheduled meeting at which they discussed the local property tax exemption for Elderly. During this meeting, many intentionally false statements were made.
This letter is to give the voters the true facts about the elderly tax exemptions. First, the main reason for the warrant article is to increase the dollar amount of the elderly exemptions because of the recent re-evaluation, which resulted in dramatic increases in many cases, of over more than $25,000 in assessments. This resulted in most of the elderly losing the true value of their present exemptions.
The Chairman Report for NH House Study Committee states that the data presented “reveals real estate tax exemption inequities for the elderly throughout the state of NH {and}does not address equalized valuation indicating that a completely new approach to the problem of inequities for the elderly appears to be in order.”
The second reason is to have the dollar amounts of elderly tax exemptions be in line with other towns in the area, especially the other three towns in the Timberlane School District. Shown below is a chart of the amounts of the exemption in three age groups, which supports the fact that we have not reached parity with the other area towns.
| Age | Atkinson | Plaistow | Danville | Sandown |
| 65-74 | $100,000 | $110,000 | $88,000 | $ 70,000 |
| 75-79 | $150,000 | $150,000 | $126,000 | $ 85,000 |
| 80+ | $200,000 | $190,000 | $155,000 | $100,000 |
The third reason is to explain that the exemptions are not based on need but for property tax relief for low and moderate income elderly homeowners. The US Congress enacted the Older American Act of 1965 to “help older people maintain maximum independence in their homes and communities.” The NH Legislature enacted the first elderly exemption in 1969, establishing an exemption of a certain sum of money due taxes by certain elderly persons.
The fourth reason is that the selectmen failed to tell the citizens it will cost only $2.56 on a property assessed for $300,000 to increase the dollar amounts in the warrant article for the 81 citizens who received the exemptions last year. Twenty-eight (28) of these citizens were 80 years and older last year. Not $2.56 per thousand, but a grand total sum of $2.56 on a $300,000 home per the State of NH Revenue Department. I’m sure that most of the citizens can afford the $2.56 to increase the elderly exemptions since it amounts to less than a penny per thousand dollars per valuation and because Sandown has a median income of $88,243 which is greater than the three other towns in the Timberlane School District, and a medium income greater than all of the other towns in Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire, except Boxford, MA, Georgetown, MA, and Windham, NH (Eagle Tribune, August 28, 2009).
A selectman stated that if the elderly exemptions continue to increase it would be possible that an elderly person would pay no property taxes. This is not true because the SRA states that the maximum elderly exemption cannot exceed 85% of the property’s valuation.
The Board of Selectmen kept talking about elderly salaries. I don’t know what planet they are from, but most elderly do not have a salary and live on Social Security, retirement program, and/or interest and dividends. Most of these did not increase as the town employee’s salaries and benefits did. One selectman stated that his present exemption was enough for him. Maybe he is in a better financial situation that most elderly in town. Some elderly may have bigger medical bills, mortgage payments and taxes than he does. Some of the town’s elderly are bringing up grandchildren without any financial support. Maybe we need to explain to him that he isn’t required to file for the exemptions.
Those who oppose the warrant article to increase exemption dollar amounts need to remember that their turn to be old is coming faster that they think and the elderly are helping them with their tax money to support their kids.
All those who support the warrant article must remember two very important dates, January 30 and March 9, for the deliberation session and day the town votes. Please show up at both.
Ralph Millard
Sandown
- Letters to the Editor
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Candidate for State Rep.
My name is Paul Brown and I am a proud native of Raymond and a candidate for State Representative in the Republican primary.
Continued ...
My political views are libertarian. -
Mike for Mike!
Rockingham County is in need of a "Sheriff" that is experienced, and on the first day, can step in, take charge, and hit the road running. Michael Downing is that person.
Continued ... -
Candidate for Sheriff
There will be no learning curve when I am elected the next Sheriff of Rockingham County. I am already here; ready to work for you, my constituents.
Continued ... -
Major Candidate for State Rep.
I have been honored to represent the citizens of Rockingham Country District 8, encompassing the towns of Hampstead, Kingston, and Plaistow, as a legislator since 1996, and will be seeking an eighth term in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.
Continued ... -
Weyler for State Rep.
I have known Representative Ken Weyler since 1999. He is truly the taxpayers friend.
Continued ... -
When is Enough 'Enough'
How would the Declaration of Independence be worded if it were written today? I'd like to take a crack at it.
Continued ... -
No Sale
A person of great wealth can afford to purchase almost anything they desire, assuming that what they want is for sale. Bill Binnie seems to think the voters of New Hampshire can be bought for a few free hot dogs and such given away at his campaign events.
Continued ... -
I'm For Kelly
Please join me on September 14 and November 2, to cast not only a vote for Kelly, but for all of us in New Hampshire and the rest of our great country.
Continued ... - August 22, 2010
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Letters to the editor, Aug. 19
Mosque on 9/11 Site
Continued ...
To the Editor:
I write in response to a letter published in Carriage Towne News on July 29. The writer expressed dismay that a Muslim group plans to open a mosque near the site of the World Trade Center terrorist attack. The writer suggests that, if this is "allowed to happen," it will somehow indicate that America has failed to win the battle against terrorism. - August 5, 2010
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Letter: Disappointed by division
The Democrats and Republicans should work together rather than wage war against each other.
Continued ... - Letter: From state Rep. candidate
- July 22, 2010
- Letters to the editor: July 22, 2010
- July 16, 2010
- Letters to the editor: July 15, 2010
- July 8, 2010
- Letters to the editor: July 8, 2010
- June 30, 2010
- Letters: July 1, 2010
- June 24, 2010
- Letters to the editor: June 24, 2010
- June 16, 2010
- Letters to the editor: June 17, 2010
- June 14, 2010
- Letters to the editor: June 10, 2010
- June 4, 2010
- Letters to the editor: June 3, 2010
- May 27, 2010
- Letters to the editor: May 27, 2010
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Candidate for State Rep.
