DanvilleDelivery.com

Subject: 15% Penalty Waiver

The BoS needs to hold off on sending out the letters today and reconsider the motion passed last night.

First, Mr. Moore was right to recuse himself last week and should have abstained from the discussion and vote last night. Instead, he acted as a lobbyist beating down the rest of the selectmen until he could secure special treatment for his friend of 37 years.

Second, the town’s lawyer clearly opposed this action. He should have been on hand — even via nonpublic session — to advise on the specific motion. I’m sure he would have advised against such an accommodation.

Third, any relief proposed by the BoS should be applied without prejudice to all tax delinquents. This measure rewards the worst offenders only. The board was unsympathetic to Mrs. Leonard who has had medical and personal problems, and voted to close the door of preferential treatment on residents who have not yet lost their homes to the tax collector.

It’s clear that most of the selectmen were uncomfortable with this accommodation — none supported this measure until the vote and at least one thought Mr. Moore should have recused himself from the discussion and vote. If Mr. Moore had acted properly, there would have been no vote. If he had participated in the discussion but abstained from the vote, I think it would have been 4-0 against.

Once the BoS sends out these letters, precedent will be set for forgiving the penalties. Last night I talked to a resident who told me that her family had sacrificed two Christmases to pay unexpected tax increases. I don’t think Mr. Moore’s friends have missed too many Christmases.

Len Mullen
39 Justin Drive
Danville, NH 03819

Taxpayer since 1991