Is that what being a town councilor is all about? Cutting positions that makes Derry a better, safer town? Or is it doing what is best for the community? Neil's a strong asset to our town, dedicating a lot of effort into community services, and a well needed addition to the council. There are many other ways to save, not just by slashing jobs. Think about that the next time you use the town's services.
SSimon4
· 1 year ago
Did anyone really think that Wetherbee was really going to go against his friends. He talked a good game and took votes away from someone who would have looked at the budget with a more realistic approach. What happened to his listening and doing what the voters wanted ... well the voters spoke ... we want less taxes, maybe Mr. Wetherbee didn't hear us or didn't care to.
What voice???
· 1 year ago
Funny how I never notice people showing up at the meetings demanding less cops, educators, etc.
gman558
· 1 year ago
Yes, New Hampshire does have a state income tax. It is called "Dividend and Interest tax" It is 5% no matter what your income is, $0 or $1,000,000. Its not fair and no politician will do anything about it. Gary
NFW
· 1 year ago
Maybe the anonymous hotline caller or previous poster would enlighten me as to exactly who my “friends” are? I think I've voted with and against everyone on the council. And then maybe they'll go on to tell me who spoke at the budget workshop sessions or public hearing asking to have lower taxes at the expense of town services. I don’t recall anyone doing so. Nor do I recall receiving any e-mails to that effect.
As for the public hearing on the budget, 15 different people spoke. I’ll give a quick rundown for those who may think I wasn’t “listening” to the voters: I’m using first name only or the group represented in consideration of those who may not want their names in this publication.
John – The one and only resident who attended all of every budget hearing. Kudos for your diligence and patience!!
Elizabeth, Brendan, and Katherine all spoke in favor of the council restoring $12,038 of the $20,000+ the council cut from the Derry Library budget. Katherine even gave all of the councilors a library book! I motioned and voted for this alone because I thought it represented a sincere effort towards compromise. I did so without the support of my “friends”.
Bruce – Spoke twice and as always with several intelligent and relevant issues.
Maureen – Spoke twice. Once to take Current Use Tax money away from the Derry Conservation Commission. The second time to explore options other than funding CART.
Rebecca – Spoke to restore the addition of the Taylor Library to the 2009 CIP.
Al – Requested DPW keep a vehicle log.
3 People spoke in favor of maintaining CART funding (which we did).
2 People spoke on behalf of the Upper Room.
2 People spoke on behalf of the Rockingham Community Action Agency.
There you have it! If the voters spoke regarding taxes, they didn’t do it during the adoption process of a nearly $40,000,000 budget. If they had spoken, I would have most certainly listened.
I would caution anyone: Don’t expect someone to deliver what no one asks for!
SSimon4
· 1 year ago
spoken like a true politician
Taxpayer
· 1 year ago
Taxes have always been an issue in Derry. That people have to ask their town elected officials to help control taxes is insane. People are losing their homes and we're hearing don't expect someone to deliver what no one asks for. I think this was a huge issue during the election ... I didn't realize we had to ask again. I thought we made it clear during the election process. Maybe a recall vote wouldn't be a bad idea!
All Comments
It is called "Dividend and Interest tax"
It is 5% no matter what your income is, $0 or $1,000,000.
Its not fair and no politician will do anything about it.
Gary
As for the public hearing on the budget, 15 different people spoke. I’ll give a quick rundown for those who may think I wasn’t “listening” to the voters: I’m using first name only or the group represented in consideration of those who may not want their names in this publication.
John – The one and only resident who attended all of every budget hearing. Kudos for your diligence and patience!!
Elizabeth, Brendan, and Katherine all spoke in favor of the council restoring $12,038 of the $20,000+ the council cut from the Derry Library budget. Katherine even gave all of the councilors a library book! I motioned and voted for this alone because I thought it represented a sincere effort towards compromise. I did so without the support of my “friends”.
Bruce – Spoke twice and as always with several intelligent and relevant issues.
Maureen – Spoke twice. Once to take Current Use Tax money away from the Derry Conservation Commission. The second time to explore options other than funding CART.
Rebecca – Spoke to restore the addition of the Taylor Library to the 2009 CIP.
Al – Requested DPW keep a vehicle log.
3 People spoke in favor of maintaining CART funding (which we did).
2 People spoke on behalf of the Upper Room.
2 People spoke on behalf of the Rockingham Community Action Agency.
There you have it! If the voters spoke regarding taxes, they didn’t do it during the adoption process of a nearly $40,000,000 budget. If they had spoken, I would have most certainly listened.
I would caution anyone: Don’t expect someone to deliver what no one asks for!