Tax break now

To the editor:

On Tuesday, May 17, we should vote “No” on the budget, and lower our mill rate by one-half mill. This would save about $220 on a $300,000 house and about $125 on a $200,000 house. Plus, this would bring a lower mill rate into next year and avoid any increase this year.

Our mill rate is increasing because $1.3 million dollars is being “added” into the budget for capital expenditures. This increases the total budget figure and it’s that figure that our mill rate is based on. We should take the capital expenditures out of the budget and put the entire $1.3 million toward lowering the mill rate by one half mill and avoid an increase. I said that we had a $10 million fund balance at the town meeting. I stand corrected. It was $8 million, and $1.6 million was taken out of the fund balance, leaving a fund balance of $6.9 million.

I still believe we should vote “no” on this budget, decrease our mill rate and then have the capital expenditures come back as a separate issue and restructure the funding for the capital expenditures.

We need a tax break now. A one-half mill decrease is needed more now than ever by seniors, people laid off or facing the same, with no salary increases but plenty of gas and food costs. Plus, we shouldn’t be voting yes on a budget with three violations of the charter: time frame (35 days), did not itemize or put figures in parallel columns for revenues for the public hearing and added capital expenditures to the budget.

Vote no Tuesday, May 17.

Ann Ruocco

North Haven

Right direction

To the editor:

I am voting “yes” for the proposed budget on Tuesday, May 17.

As a taxpayer, I believe my tax dollars are being well-spent. I am impressed with Mr. Freda’s visionary leadership and I think he is taking North Haven in the right direction. I thank the Board of Finance and Board of Education for working together, and especially all of the volunteer board and committee members who give their time and talents to serve our town. I hold you in high esteem.

As a parent, I value what the town of North Haven offers my family, including a wonderful education system, parks and recreation programs, the library and pool and police and fire safety. As a future senior citizen, I support all the programs that maintain the importance of an intergenerational community.

As a homeowner, I appreciate the garbage, leaf and recycling, as well as bulk pick up. Along with all of the town services, these enhance my home’s value and make North Haven a nicer place to live in. I support the upkeep of roads and infrastructure improvements, as they save us money in the long run.

As a business owner, I know that all of these things cost money, but I believe that our tax dollars are an investment in our town and that benefit all of us.

Finally, as a voter, I support the town with my voice. I encourage everyone to speak up, get involved, get out and vote and be agents for the changes you want to see for our future. North Haven is worth it.

Julie Bossenberry

North Haven

Deep appreciation

To the editor:

We are writing to express our deepest appreciation for the kindness and compassion that First Selectman Mike Freda has shown toward our mother, Grace Gizzi, who had a serious fall on Saturday, April 16, at St. Barnabas Church.

He has given the word ‘Good Samaritan’ new meaning. While she recuperated, his phone calls to Grace meant so much to her and to us as well.

How fortunate we are, as well as all the citizens of North Haven, to have him as our first selectman.

Our family shall never forget this kindness and wish him continued success.

Marilyn Zalewski

Joan Gizzi

North Haven