Making Ripples in Wilder’s Town

His presence in the press has been so persistent that one journalist, Ms. Dara Vernier, wrote on Feb. 3, 2006 in The Monadnock Ledger-Transcript: “and Fran . . . (does he need a last name? He’s like Madonna).”

Although we haven’t always agreed with his opinions, we have always been inspired by his passion. He encourages thinking, not complacency.

Two Samples of Letters:

May 2008
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Characters We Are Lucky To Have

The May 8th edition of The Ledger-Transcript seems to have been edited to recognize the benefits of sharing, of giving, of serving by citizens to their community.

In one feature story, my good friend Marc Tieger was recognized by his alma mater University of Franklin Pierce (UFP), and at the same event, the outstanding Conval High School professor, Mr. O (Michael O’Leary) was given recognition long overdue. They both, in their own way, dedicated their energies to making this community a better place.

And in another news item, the first recipient of the Peterson Medallion award has been awarded to Roland Patten for community service, but more than that there is evidence more and more citizens in our community give to live, donate time, talents and energy to make life just a little bit better than what they found before they got involved.

I glanced at the new Peterborough town report again and there on the front page is the same Roland Patten retrieving ducks in the river after last year’s Lion’s Duck race. [This year’s Lion Duck race is May 17th.] And then in the same outstanding town report (you’ve got to get your copy) a story is told of one of the brightest stars of community service in the history of Peterborough, my good friend Fred Smith who died this past year.

From the annual report, I counted the number of citizens in Peterborough who serve in appointed, elected and volunteer roles and counted well over 140.

In a society that seems more interested in self than others, how come these people give thousands of hours to benefit their community? How come they care? Is this evidence of the “character” we seek in Our Town?

In the same edition we find two political advertisements urging support for two candidates as Selectmen—incumbent Joe Byk and neophyte Tony Nichols. On the one hand Joe has a record with baggage that very often comes with service and on the other a new face, with a clean slate we have Tony Nichols.

One who has the battle scars that come with the territory, the other oblivious of the threat and risks associated with the position. One anxious to advance his ideas, the other ready to make a difference, to create change, to bring a fresh look to his community. WOW. We may not be Camelot yet, but we keep it in our sights.

Fran Chapman

November 2007
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Stay Informed. Dig for Facts

Taxes don’t go away, they just keep coming. If you want to make a difference, if you want to control your taxes you must be diligent, become knowledgeable about what precipitates a tax bill total and figure out what one person can do about it.

There are several key factors that make your tax bill what it is.

1. One of the biggest factors is the NH Educational Trust Fund grant your town receives each year. 2. Another big one is the acreage your town has in Current Use. 3. The total assessed value of all properties in your town and your home’s assessed value is right up there as critical to the size of your bill. 4. The budget of County, Town and School district. 5. School Formulas.

Each year the Legislature jockeys the value of the grant monies and you have no control of that figure. Your efforts to get a constitutional amendment might help. It is very discriminatory in application.

Law allows your neighbor to put any or all of his/her acreage in Current Use reducing their tax burden from about $10,000 per acre to $400 and increasing your tax bill $200-$1,000 per year. Be sure you take advantage of this legal way to pay fewer taxes. Put your land in Current Use.

After many years of questionable assessment practices around the state, we now have rules and enforcement of the various components of the assessing process. This means your tax base is more reliable and fair. And the equalized tax valuations are much more realistic in your school formulas. Be sure your tax card has the facts right. Seek abatement if you’re over assessed.

You can influence your district school formulas and district articles of agreement. If your town is not on an equal footing with others, promote amendments to eliminate the problem.

Operational costs of school and town create spending, which raises taxes. Both towns and schools prepare detailed budgets and then set dates for hearings where you can ask questions, make statements and maybe even amend articles being presented. The budget is made up of details—some have as much as 1500 line items. Every one when added or multiplied creates the bottom line that your property must support. Spending determines your tax bill.

Ask questions, do your homework, become knowledgeable, get involved, vote and let your Selectmen and School Board members know your problems.

Fran Chapman