The letter in the July 6 Shorelines from former Westport Select board member Brian Valcourt contains little in the way of new information for voters to consider in the upcoming override vote. There were, however, several items that require comment.

His claim that during his nine years as a Select Board member there was “...little to no wasteful spending” is not for his lack of trying. Check out Shorelines May 3, 2023 page 2. Select Board member Valcourt enthusiastically supports spending $1 million for a rotary on Route 177. Fortunately more rational minds prevailed and illuminated/flashing stop signs were added. This saved Westport tax payers almost $1 million.

Mr. Valcourt has researched Massachusetts municipal tax rates and correctly states we are in the bottom 10 percent. The basis for our low rate of taxation is the same as for the other low tax communities — high assessed property values, and small school systems because of a significant number of seasonal residents. A low tax rates does not necessarily equate to low levels of town services.

There is a “sad” detail associated with seasonal residents. Their tax assessment values include personal property in addition to land and buildings. They pay higher levels of taxes for using few town services.

Vote NO on the Proposition 2.5 override.

Elliot F. Whipple

Westport