To the Editor,
The letters in the Houlton Pioneer Times dated Oct. 19, 2011 make for a wonderful soap opera or drama. If you notice, they are mostly from people who do not live here. These folks own “camps.” The majority of the these “camps” were purchased years, if not generations ago. Over the years, the out houses have been updated and some of these “camps” now have 2-3 bathrooms.
During these same years, property has been sold until there is none left to buy in choice locations. That means the same land has increased in value numerous times.
What these folks are forgetting is that the property they bought for $20,000-$30,000 is now being sold by their “friends” and “neighbors” at great profit. This only increases the state valuations, so we look like a rich community and get less state funding every year because of those inflated properties — which now sell for $250,000-$300,000.
Not only do we have less funding, but our expenses as a town are rising for electricity, oil, etc. All contracts the town has have been put out for bid. The selectmen choose the lowest bid. The town is forced to live with rising bid prices. Then the state of Maine adds more regulations that need to be met for education, municipal government, transfer stations, etc.
No one likes taxes, but everyone wants the town to take care of everything. The town takes care of things, but people don’t want to pay.
I understand their frustration with not having a vote, but it is their choice to own their “camp.” I personally own a “camp” on the coast. I choose to live in Orient to be near my job. My taxes also doubled in Orient this year. So did my taxes on the coast. That town is similar to Orient in that they have huge expensive “summer camps” raising their state valuations, thus receiving less funding.
I choose to keep my “camp” and pay the taxes. I do not whine about it. As long as I can afford it, I will own my “camp” and pay my taxes without being able to vote there. When I decide it’s too costly, I will sell my place.
If these folks can’t afford their taxes, perhaps they should consider selling their “camps,” taking their profits and then the federal government can tax that. But please, stop whining. Every meeting of the selectmen is posted. The Orient selectmen have always been willing to listen to legitimate concerns.
Louise Beaulieu
Orient
