Board of Selectmen July 24, 2014 Town Purchase Betty Hudson Property My Comments

I am very concerned that this board is anxious to buy the Betty Hudson property that has no value to the taxpayers. Since Betty Hudson has been Simsbury’s State Representative, is this political patronage?

Why buy a house that pays $5,183.26 to the Town in taxes? This property is listed for $245,000. When this house sells, the Town receives a conveyance tax.

The town should not be in the business of purchasing property. Since this property is in the Flood Plain, does the town expect to purchase all the houses in the flood plain that comes on the market?

Every reduction in revenue by taking property off the tax rolls , increases the taxes for everyone. If we expect to have any Economic Development we have to increase our tax base not reduce it. A prime example of the town purchasing property that it doesn’t need is the Dewey property. The taxpayers will have to continue paying for a loss of revenue.

The town should not be in the business of purchasing property. This property should not have been brought to the Board of Selectman. Why have a meeting at 8 AM when people cannot give their opinions. Where is Nancy Haase and Sean Askham? What are their positions on this purchase?

I urge this board to vote no on the purchase.