Hotly-debated SB2 issue returns to Moultonboro

Once their presentations were finished, the hearing opened up to the general public, who nearly filled the meeting room. Though several town officials spoke, by and large against changing to SB2, they clarified that they were speaking as residents, not from their office. One such speaker was Town Moderator Mel Borrin, who spoke against SB2, calling it incentive for every town employee to unionize and protect their jobs, and for seasonal residents to be lobbied to vote a certain way.

"It's not fair to have those vote who are not part of the discussion, who I predict will be rallied hard to vote no on certain articles," said Borrin. "They're going to get a plea to keep taxes low and vote no on the budget. There will be someone in Arizona and Florida voting against things to save the tax rate. SB2 is a guaranteed way to take the future capital budget and destroy it."

Borrin also said that less conversation would be had at a deliberative session, and said that because of it, he didn't think it "will bring out knowledgeable people to put an X in the box by threats or petition."

Jennifer Correia spoke in favor of instituting SB2 in Moultonboro, engaging in some back-and-forth debate with Charest over the ability of interest groups to get out the vote and to sell the issue. Correia, a municipal accountant, said she had experience with SB2 towns through her job.

"It's not as scary as some people are alluding to," said Correia. "It has challenges, but you can work with it. It is doable. It takes a little more effort, but when you're voting, you're sending a message, and it gives the power to more people."

The hearing shifted to discussion on tax rates of SB2 towns versus those with traditional Town Meetings, and the input of seasonal residents.

"That's someone who isn't here six months out of the year," said Board Chair Karel Crawford, referring to a letter to the editor from Anthony Alibrio. "You can't tell me that a person who is six months away really cares about what goes on here."

Hume countered that it was still the right of the resident to have a vote.

"I never said there was no right," said Crawford. "But is he going to vote for the town?"

Charest said that if people really had an interest, they would come out and attend the meeting.

With the note from both Charest and Hume that larger towns tended to adopt SB2, there was some concern from residents over how fast the town was growing. Jim Morrison, noting that Charest had mentioned the figure of 8,000 people, asked when the town expected to have that many residents. Crawford said that she hoped it would never come to that.

"I don't think SB2 would be used if it didn't work," said Peter Jensen. "The experience I've gone through in another state on a school board is that the population only once got the budget passed, low-income people who voted their pocketbook. We wished there was some mechanism to require people to understand the issue. I don't think SB2 will ruin the town, but I won't vote for it."

Hollis Austin also spoke up, in favor of SB2 and getting more people involved in their town budget.

"There are far too few people involved in the decision-making process," said Austin. "It's so important to consider carefully the many pros and cons both SB2 and traditional Town Meeting have."

Ballot Day for the decision on SB2, candidates for office, and zoning amendments will be Tuesday, March 11. Town Meeting this year will be on Saturday, March 15, both the school and town sessions.