The People's Voice returns...

The first issue of The People's Voice appeared March of 1991 in response to the need to present issues facing Sullivan County taxpayers, from a strictly taxpayer point of view. Newsletter editors subsequently founded the taxpayer group Sullivan County People for Action, which published the newsletter until the end of 1994. It was replaced by the "Action Bulletin" ® whch was published by the Sullivan County Action Coaltion. The new group was an umbrella organization for several Sullivan County taxpayer groups, including the Sullivan County People for Action.

Several of its founders felt it was time to bring back The People's Voice to focus on government and governmental social issues affecting the residents in the Village of Monticello.

As in the beginning the purpose of the newsletter is to inform its readers about the political and governmental activities in the Village of Monticello. We hope to clear up the political double talk. We will be presenting the issues that directly affect you as a resident and taxpayer living in the Village of Monticello. We will report your elected officials' position and response on the issues.

Remember that politicians are temporary hired help. If their conduct and performance in office aren't exceptional, they should be replaced.

The People's Voice is funded by donations from concerned residents. It does not accept paid advertisements. Nor, will it accept donations which are believed to be offered to influence the contents.

Many of the articles are supplied by readers. If you would like to add your voice as a taxpayer feel free to do so. All attempts are made to publish accurate information. If inaccurate information is printed, and the inaccuracy is brought to our attention we will publish a correction.

This issue of The People's Voice is copyright, © 1998.

Internet address

The People's Voice will soon be on the Internet. We intend to establish a presence on the Internet, at http://rdz.stjohns.edu/lists/sullcounty/peoplesvoice/ and to accept e-mail. We will be obtaining a Monticello post office box. Details on how to reach us will appear in future editions.

Taxes have increased
362% in 13 years . . .

Is it necessary for a taxpayer organization? You bet it is. Property Taxes (combined cost of land tax, water, sewer, and garbage fees) on a residential property in the Village of Monticello have increased 362 percent in the past 13 years.

The average senior citizen is paying $6 a bag for garbage removal, vs. $1.25 for out-of- Village residents.

The Hidden Tax . . .

The largest single investment most Americans' make is the purchase of a home. The value of real estate is directly related to the functioning of local government. If the streets are dirty, your house is worth less than in a clean neighborhood. If poor local zoning, planning and enforcement exist, development slows and property values drop. If government is viewed as inept or corrupt property values drop further. Property values have been dropping like a lead balloon in Monticello.
Dropping property values represent a "hidden tax".

Generally property values should be expected to increase. After years of home ownership one should be able to sell their house for more than they paid, realizing a profit. The Federal Government, realizing home ownership was for many the only way to build equity towards retirement exempted $250,000 profit on the sale of principle residences from taxation. This has been raised to $500,000. However, if you can only sell your house for what you paid, or as in the Village of Monticello less than what was paid, that loss represents a "hidden tax" on your investment.

When government ceases to work properly, we can only blame ourselves for not being involved. Don't wait for the other guy. We will be scheduling a series of meetings in the not to distant future. We know the special interest groups have been able to influence the present village board at the determent of the entire village. We have seen that the current village board is not dealing effectively with issues affect all of the taxpayers. We believe the present village manager is incompetent. We believe the village board has exceeded it legal authority and has acted contrary to law. We have seen too many instances where village management is not managing.

We intend to mobilize an effective taxpayer organization which will do what taxpayer organizations have done elsewhere to effect good government. You are invited to join us. Or you can keep writing larger and large checks to pay for the inefficiency of government.

MARCH 17th ELECTIONS

What are you going to do on Election Day? This election you have the chance to send a message not only to the Village Board, but also to the current political parties. The candidates for Village Trustee are:

A vote for candidate Dumas says you discount his criminal background and the fact he has pled guilty of striking a woman in the head and body with his fist, as well as being charged with Assault 3rd on another occasion. Dumas is currently awaiting trail on a new Harassment charge. That case will be heard in village justice court on March 20th, three days after the election.

A vote for Vincent Gilmore, the write-in candidate, is support for easier ballot access and a vote against those in the political parties who have used the technicalities of the election law so as to favor incumbents.

Thomas Mack is running on the Democratic ticket for Trustee. Mr. Mack's background includes work as a former Monticello police officer, and state correctional officer. Mr Mack is retired and is president of the Sullivan County NAACP.

Of the two Village Justice candidates, we have the sitting Judge, Robert Kesten. A vote for Kesten means you believe justice has been administered fairly in Monticello during the last four years. A vote for "Jo Judge," as her ads bill her, on the other hand, perhaps indicates you have had a negative experience in court lately, or you may have other reason to feel change is called for and that "Jo Judge" is likely to improve matters.

Whoever gets elected, this area will likely always have a desperate need for a truth-telling watchdog publication like The People's Voice.

That's why we're back.

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