Category Archives: Article Archive

The state fire marshal says, “At this time [September 2014] I do not see anything in the inspection file that would warrant an immediate closure” of the Bow community building. He also said that “[t]he inspection file did identify some deficiencies that need to be addressed” and that he understands that “the town is trying to make a good business decision on whether to put money into the old building or build new.”

See the fire marshal’s e-mail correspondence with a town resident: Fire Marshal’s Email [PDF]

Approving Article 3 is the first step in bonding over $5 million for a new public safety building and $4 million for a new community center. By contrast, Article 30 authorizes the town to spend up to $550,000 to address the deficiencies identified in the inspection report. (The estimates obtained by the town indicate that the work can be completed for about $460,000). So what seems like a better business decision to you? $9 million in bonds for a new fire and police station and a new community center plus millions of dollars in interest on the bonds or a maximum of $550,000 to fix the Bow community building with no interest payments and a property tax cut when the high school is paid off in 2017?

To the Editor,

Are you sick and tired of digging yourself out? No I’m not referring to the snow I’m
referring to Bow’s high taxes. Last year the overwhelming message from Bow voters is
that we don’t want to be buried in higher taxes. Unfortunately some of our elected
officials are tone deaf and didn’t get that message and proposed higher taxes again this
year. Luckily we have new candidates running for office who have earned the
endorsement of the Bow Taxpayer Group because they will listen to the voter.

Tax fighters Ben Kiniry , who is running for Selectman, is teaming up with Chuck
Douglas and Rob Holling who are running for the Budget Committee. These candidates
are dedicated to lowing Bow’s taxes and will fight against gimmicks and proposals that
will keep taxes high. Ben, Chuck, and Rob all know that it is essential to have lower
taxes if we want to attract new businesses and keep a stable tax-base which is
essential because our Bow Power Plant is constantly under attack.

March 10, 11, and 13 are Town Election, Town Meeting and School Meeting Days,
respectively. It is critical that you participate if you want your taxes lowered. If you listen
to some of our elected officials say in their meeting minutes, they’re hoping that you
don’t turnout this year. Well surprise them and turn out in large numbers. Get family
and friends to go. Going to the Town/School Meetings and putting a stop to excessive
spending could be the best time spent all year.

Last year, we actually had several dozen people leave the Town Meeting even before
the first vote. That is unacceptable and it is imperative that Moderator Imse take action.
The people’s right to vote supersedes any long drawn out presentation. If people feel
they need to leave but the meeting is moving too slow for the vote the voters have the
right to call the question and ask for the vote. If the moderator says that it requires a 2/3
vote to successfully call the question he is wrong because the voters can overrule him
with a majority vote. So it really only takes a majority vote to keep the meeting moving
along.

Anyone who is not comfortable calling the question I will do it for them. Just ask me. It
will be my pleasure to make sure that you get your right to vote.

Van Mosher
Bow