To the editor:

The purpose of the proposed Charter Amendment on use of casino revenue (Question #10) is to lower taxes for the citizens of Tiverton. But what is particularly important about the proposal is that it provides a guideline for a plan that will focus on the needs of the town – debt service, capital improvement, and infrastructure – even as it reduces taxes.  You may well ask 'How can this be?' 

Well, if the casino revenue funds are put to use primarily to address some of the major problems in Tiverton (e.g., reducing debt payments, repairing/replacing equipment, maintaining buildings and roads), those big ticket line items currently found in the budget can be reduced dramatically.  Each time those line items are reduced represents immediate savings for Tiverton in the form of lower taxes. Further, the restriction on using casino revenue for the operation budget was included to make sure that these funds do not get used for new hires.  

This proposed Charter Amendment does not address every issue.  For example, it does not specify a percentage or dollar amount to be applied to the categories suggested.  There is a need for some built-in flexibility.  Some areas will need more investing if the needs are more critical, some areas less so.  Hopefully, these issues will continue to be addressed by future Town Councils, Budget Committees, and citizens of Tiverton.  Please vote for Question #10 for, as long as the casino operates at a profit, the process this proposed amendment puts in place will result in lower taxes while providing future flexibility to meet changing town needs.

Christine E Ryan

Tiverton

Tiverton Town Council member (not seeking re-election)