Pandemic wrong time for a tax increase

The Bethel Republican Town Committee believes the right to vote, along with the right to free speech, is the cornerstone of a free and fair Republic. The Governor’s Executive Order to override our Town Charter and our fundamental right to vote on the town budget infringes on the soul of our Town Meeting form of government and does so at a time of great crisis for our community.

As a party, we often stand firmly against tax increases, but we have been pragmatic and have shifted on this stance when it makes sense for our town. The COVID-19 crisis has thrust our town into an economic tailspin that we will not recover from quickly. We cannot in good conscience endorse any budget that increases our residents’ tax burden at this time while simultaneously denying them a voice and a referendum vote.

As it stands now, Connecticut has record unemployment, businesses have been shuttered by the governor for two months, businesses are permanently closing as a consequence of being unable to survive the pandemic shutdown, and there are longest lines we’ve ever seen at local food banks. An average increase of $70 per household may seem miniscule, but for many households who are now affected by unemployment, that is equal to paying next week’s food bill or next month’s electric bill.

This is not the proper time for the Board of Finance to unilaterally raise anyone’s household expenses. It is best to wait until next year before considering any increase in Bethel’s tax mill rate, when we hope there will be more certainty in the economy and the chance for a free and fair referendum vote.

Bryan Terzian Bethel Republican Town Committee Chairman

Bethel