Framingham Taxpayers Association Calls For Action Against Runaway Budgeting
The Framingham Taxpayers Association will hold a special meeting at the main Framingham library Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
The results of exhaustive digging on what went so drastically wrong with Framingham's 2012 residential and commercial property assessments will be spelled out today, Saturday, Feb. 11 at the main Framingham Library at 12:30 p.m. in the Costin Room.
Described as an emergency meeting, and of key importance, how the town's taxpayers can survive, this event is sponsored by the Framingham Taxpayers Association and is being held in response to the unprecedented public outcry over the mind-blowing assessments and the demand for sustained corrective action.
The Association's leaders predict that this financial turnaround campaign will go, for starters, up to and through the Spring Town Meeting, slated to start April 24.
The Costin Room, which holds up to 80 people, was deliberately picked by the Association, so its modest size would readily help the meeting function as a focus group of a cross section of the population.
The purpose, Association officers said, is to get folks of all persuasions to send a wake-up call to town government officials that there can't be business as usual in the midst of the worst financial crisis in Framingham since the Great Depression.
In line with this, the program will feature research by Matt Calder, PhD, a professional statistician, and Town Meeting member. He will focus on comparing the town's assessments with other communities throughout the state and will spell out why Framingham's assessments and tax billing are completely "out of the ball park", especially when it comes to the change in their commercial valuations.
Calder will also explain why residential assessments are not supported by the comparable sales data. And by using the assessor's own valid sales data, he will show that assessments increased far more than the sales data would suggest.
Calder's presentation will be followed up by Nicolas Sanchez, PhD, and former head of the economics department at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester.
Sanchez will illustrate how Framingham's decision makers are literally leading the Framingham's tax and fee payers "over the cliff.". He emphasized that Town Meeting members, who vote the final approval of budgets, must step up along with the executive branch and exercise financial responsibility at the annual meeting - or live with the perilous results.
The town's tax levy is rising faster than inflation and so are employee salaries and benefits. And water and sewer bills are rising even faster, he added.
Glaring examples of questionable residential and commercial assessments will be provided by George Lewis, a Town Meeting member and highly regarded investigator.
Larry Schmeidler, chair of Precinct 4 and Town Meeting's public works committee, will briefly cite how the sharp hike in tax bills will hurt one of the town's most vulnerable populations - seniors. And he will urge all seniors to lobby their town meeting members and attend the annual meeting.
After the presentation, Association officer Enzo Rotatori, a retired businessman and former Town Meeting member, will conduct a Q and A session, inviting audience participation.
Jim Rizoli
12:11 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Looking forward to the meeting...
Jim@ccfiile.com
Jim Rizoli
5:06 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Good Meeting....
Jim@ccfiile.com
Joe Rizoli
5:37 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
All the tax problems are a combination of things. But I think some points brought up at the meeting were legit. The Town meeting is composed of a lot of SCHOOL people. I think that something should be done to have a balance of representation for ANYBODY who works for the schools,. There should be a limited percentage of people who work for the schools and the town workers itself.
Whats happening now is the town meeting is OVERLY represented by school personal. I don't think that is fair. Miss Arias brought that out very nicely.
Larry Schmeidler did a nice job showing how the tax problems hurt real people financially.
Having a group of people having no confidence in our Government as was brought out a few times is not good people.The town has a POOR record of getting back to people by snail mail or email, another BIG problem.
Larry mentioned the "uninvited" in our town. Curious, I wonder who that was referring to...???
Joe Rizoli
Precinct 14
Phil Vinall
9:11 am on Monday, February 13, 2012
Seniors are "over represented". 150+ of 230 Town Meeting Members are 65+. Town policies greatly favor seniors. Town offices are open when seniors can access them. Libraries - Parks & Recs - are open weekday morns while non seniors are working and kids are in school, but mostly closed on weekends. A parent can't register their kid for cheeleading on a Sat morn or go to the library on a Sun morn, but a senior can sign up to go to Atlantic City Tues at 10Am or go to library Wed at 11. Everything's tailored to the seniors. Look at the LIFT Bus. No good for a commuter going to the train station, but great for an elderly getting to the senior ctr.
Now they want a huge tax break JUST FOR SENIORS. Lots of people are having a hard time paying the increased property taxes, but the Senior controlled Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting will be voting on an enormous decrease in taxes - ONLY FOR SENIORS.
The schools have laid off hundreds in the past few years. We have classes in the middle schools of 30+ kids. All but the most essential programs have been eliminated or cut way back. We have 5 year old kids walking 2 miles to school - 2 miles home 'cuz we took away their buses. There are fees for extra curriculars and sports. School Committe won't ask for more money 'cuz they know they won't get it. Doesn't seem like Town Meeting is controlled by school supporters.
Seniors control this town. And they're going to give themselves a big tax break at everyone else's expense.
Jim Rizoli
5:44 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
The uninvited have taken this town for a ride that we're still reeling the ill affects from, and will for many years to come.
Jim@ccfiile.com
Kim Poness
6:30 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Jim - I missed the meeting because I was out pounding the pavement in my neighborhood, collecting signatures to get myself on the ballot for TMM for the next election. I spent three hours, and talked to a really interesting and diverse group of people, asking them what they think needs improvement in both the neighborhood and the town. I met a retired man from El Salvador who bought his home on my street, and has lived here for 40 years. He told me he waited for his visa for nine months in his home country, and came here legally. He agrees 100% with your point of view, and feels that the people who come here illegally have had a detrimental effect on our local economy. He feels that the entitlements our state government provides are a major contributing factor to our increase in taxes and decrease in local services. I'm still not saying I agree with your delivery, but since this came from someone who lives on my street, who came here legally, and not without hardship, I thought it only fair and honest to share.
Of course, I also met an elderly woman whose $200 tax increase caused her to have to reduce her food budget - I can't tell you how that broke my heart. Other folks were upset, in the face of rising taxes, about the condition of our sidewalks, poor lightinhg, and general lack of attention when they voice their concerns to town government. Was this off-topic? I'm honestly not sure . . .
Susan Petroni
6:39 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Kim: Standing room crowd at the meeting. I will have coverage up shortly.
And FYI .. don't consider your discussion of what you learned in your neighborhood off topic .. thanks for sharing!
Jim Rizoli
7:23 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Kim....Good for you! You now know hard it is to get signatures, especially in the winter.
Imagine trying to get 300, and I had to do it TWICE!
You also prove my point that many immigrants agree with what We've been saying for years about illegals jumping in front of the line.
I have had Latino's and Brazilians come up to me in the stores several times shaking my hand telling me I'm right in what I say on TV.
They do say to me what this fella said to you about entitlements.
I have a lot of respect for that fella you met. I hope everything works out for him.
When they do it right we are with them all the way.
Good Job today! Thanks for sharing. We have the video of the meeting we are working on it now.
Plus the AllAccess TV recorded it too, thanks to Caraline Levy.
Jim@ccfiile.com
Jim@ccfiile.com
Kim Poness
7:48 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Thanks, Jim. I had decided that I wasn't going to "run", because I didn't think I would have the time to devote, then my daughter convinced me that I should, pointing out that I always manage to find time to do the things I think are important. No, not easy, and I can't even imagine getting 300.
While I was talking to the man on my street, his outrage over the unfairness of the situation, and the fact that he had to pay for the people who, in his words "took the easy way out" really affected me. The more information I get, the more sides I see to the story, the more refined and focused my opinion gets on the topic, and frankly, I think this man's opinion bears a little more weight than mine does. And how he tied it all in to the increase in taxes and reduction of services was really incredibly eye-opening. I too have an incredible amount of respect for this man, and I feel compelled to keep talkiing to more people, and people like him, and out of respect for what he has gone through, and how proud he is to be an American, do something to change what he considers to be both an unjustice and an insult.
Jim Rizoli
8:04 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Kim...I've been speaking to people like him for years,and that's why I'm so determined to not let up on my quest, to see equality for the immigrants doing it right.. Believe it or not these poor people are the ones I go to bat for. To see illegals jump in front of him is infiriating to say the least. And then to be accused of "hating" immigrants just blows my mind.
Sure our delivery has been misunderstood, and could use some work, but our sincerity is there 100% and is backing up the immigrants who are doing it right.
A lot of our town issues believe it or not, go fall back to this ONE issue.
No surrender!
jim@ccfiile.com
Kim Poness
8:22 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
I have to say - I personally thought the tone of this post was really nice. :)
Susan Petroni
8:57 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Jim: I agree with Kim!
Joe Rizoli
8:11 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Imagine, a LEGAL LATINO finally confirms what we have saying for years now. Gee mentioning the guy had OUTRAGE really hits home. I guess nobody can accuse him of "hate", I would call it "righteous indignation". That I can agree with. The people who live in our neighborhoods really can open our minds. Apparently that signature quest gave you a new lease on life...Good for you.......
Joe Rizoli
Kim Poness
8:34 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Joe - it really did. I actually spent so much time talking to people that I didn't get all my signatures, so I have to go back out tomorrow! And that's the thing - you're right - what he feels would be called "righteous indignation", and in a way, I can see why. I was lucky enough to be born here, so maybe I take for granted all that we have. This man, and I'm sure I'll find more tomorrow, risked a lot, gave up a lot, sacrificed a lot, and came from a country with more than just an economic problem. He worked hard, cared for his family, and didn't get sucked in by the greed of the real estate boom. He really, really affected me. Even if nobody votes for me, the signature gathering experience alone was well worth the time (and the numb fingers and toes). It's amazing the things people tell you if you just ask and then listen. The seniors were really the ones who had the most hope that things could change, and there was so little that they wanted, and it all boiled down to fairness. Fair services for fair taxes, and fair treatment for citizens. Sounds so simple.
Kim Poness
8:20 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Do you think there is any way to get folks like "Manuel" (not his real name - actually, my own grandfather's name!) to speak out publicly? His testimony was really incredibly powerful, and seems like it would probably carry more weight than a natural-born citizen's. This man has paid taxes here for over forty years, leads a simple life, and worked hard to live within his means, pay his mortgage, and send his son to an incredibly good college. He pointed to a couple of houses where he said the "lawbreakers" live - his words, not mine - and said that he calls the police when he sees something going on, but sometimes it takes them an hour or more to show up. He thinks it's unfair that he, as an American citizen, doesn't get the services that his taxes pay for. I don't mean to go on and on, but it was all tied in together - the taxes, the illegal immigration, the lack of services this man is entitled to - have you ever been able to get a group together of folks like Manuel?
Susan Petroni
8:55 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
@Kim - feel free to have him call or e-mail me ... I'd be willing to do an article.
***
And Kim - As a resident and registered voter of Framingham, I have offered to sign anyone's nomination papers I am eligible to sign ... which precinct are you? I'm 15.
If I can sign, I will be at Panache Coffee Monday between 10 - 11 a.m. - feel free to stop by ... feel free to stop by even if I can't sign too...
Kim Poness
9:43 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Thank you, Susan! I'll try to stop by tomorrow - I don't plan on hitting the pavement until about 11 :) And I will stop by "Manuel's" once I've gotten through the signature-collecting to see if he'd be willing to be interviewed. I think that would really be great!
Susan Petroni
9:46 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
I won't be there tomorrow ... but Monday from 10-11 a.m., and do stop by and say hello!
Kim Poness
9:48 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Oops - right - Monday. Thanks!
Jim Rizoli
9:14 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Kim.....I would be willing to help him if he would like, but his voice has to be heard.
Now multiply that by all the people I talked to when I went out getting them when I ran for State Rep a few years ago, it took me two weeks about (40hrs) of my time to get my signitures, good thing it was warmer weather.
The stories these poor folks had were incredible, but they feel there is no voice for them to be heard. That's why WE have to be their voice.
I think every candidate running for office has to experience what you exerienced to see how the economy, taxes etc....are affecting everyone.
It really puts you in their shoes, and makes you want to do something for them.
I know it did that for me and that's why I'm doing what I'm doing now.
Just to let you know if you need help getting signitures I will help you.
I can go out during the week when your working. You should get doubled what you need in case some aren't valid.
Jim@ccfiile.com
Susan Petroni
9:25 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
@Kim -- Jim offers good advice ... people don't always know which precinct they are in and may think they are registered when they are not .. so if you need 25 signatures, best to get 35-45 signatures... or turn the 25 in early, so the Town Clerk's office can tell you how many you still need ... good luck!
Jim Rizoli
9:40 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
When you turn them in make sure the top is filled in right because if you goof up (like I did) that's why you have to go out and do it gain.
Before you hand the signitures over to the clerk, show them it first and ask if everything is ok, if he'she says yes then give it to them. If you turn it in first and there is something not right (missed something or other) they don't give it back to you to correct. I learned the hard way.....
jim@ccfiile.com
Kim Poness
9:41 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Thanks to both of you!!! Unfortunately, I'm pretty much at the deadline - my own fault since I decided at the last minute, and the papers are due in on Tuesday by 5pm. I should have 32 by tomorrow; at least, that's what I'm shooting for. I'm in precinct 18. Jim, that was an incredibly kind offer - if I had more time, I'd take you up on it. But hold that thought - I have an extra signature sheet, so maybe on Monday? I'll check in with you tomorrow. Really, what an incredibly kind offer. Thank you for that.
Donald Wendt
9:44 am on Sunday, February 12, 2012
Kim, my wife and I are in precinct 18 also and are registered voter. I can't speak for my wife, but I would be happy to sign your papers. I can also introduce you to a number of friends in the neighborhood. I willl leave my contact information with Sue and I give her permission to share it with you.
Susan Petroni
1:14 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2012
Donald: I did forward along to Kim.
Kim Poness
10:36 am on Sunday, February 12, 2012
Donald - thank you so much for your kind offer, and I will absolutely take you up on it!
Jim Rizoli
11:41 am on Sunday, February 12, 2012
Here is the link to the Tax meeting at the library Saturday in case any of you want to see it first.
All-Access cable recorded it too but it won't be up on cable for a few days I would imagine.
http://tinyurl.com/858wl3f
Jim@ccfiile.com
Kristen Nason
4:45 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2012
Hi Kim, I am in precinct 18 too (near Don). I will give you my signature! @ Susan, please forward my info to Kim :)
Donald Wendt
8:38 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2012
Better yet Kristen, Kim come over to my house and I will walk you over to Kristen's house. I am sure Kristen would agree that we would love a new voice at the town meeting representing this oft forgotten, family oriented neighborhood in South-South Framingham. If you have the energy Kim we have your back.
Kristen Nason
10:27 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2012
. Absolutely! Kim- Let me know if I can help with the signatures
Kim Poness
9:51 am on Monday, February 13, 2012
Donald and Kristen - thank you both so much for your offer! I think I now have all the signatures I need, but would like to come and chat with you anyway. Donald, I just sent you an email - if an after-work time works for you both, let me know?