Joseph Cormier: What will voter turnout be for next Moultonborough Town Meeting?

To The Daily Sun,

The Moultonborough School District and Town Meeting business sessions are scheduled for Saturday, March 15. How long will they last is anybody's guess.

Petitions normally account for some time, as proponents and opponents debate the issue. There were 14 petitions at last Town Meeting, of which 10 were “hearts and flowers” (donations). Four were more significant: SB 2 adoption, ConCom funds, MLK Day, and move Town Meeting back to March from May. Turnout to vote was around 213 folks, out of a town of 5,000+ residents and 4,700+ registered to vote. This March turnout will probably be more than last May, since both school district and town meetings are on the same Saturday, and no boating.

Petitions normally show up just before the deadline, which is Tuesday, Feb. 4. Petitions that may come up, for both the town and especially the school district, are tax caps, under the new RSA 32:5-b. However, floor motions can already eliminate or reduce/money articles even if not the same as a tax cap.

Another petition might be electing Conservation Commission members instead of appointing by the selectboard. Might not have much support, but who knows? Most folks in Moultonborough aren't aware the combined monthly average of the ConCom bank accounts is over $90,000. Last year it managed to successfully petition all Land Use Change Tax funds that formerly went back to the taxpayers, now go to them. Why does it need so much money? Rescinding that last year's LUCT vote could be another petition.

ConCom also managed to get the town to vote yes on letting the ConCom have optional powers "to expend funds for the purchase of interests in land outside the boundaries of the municipality". The Moultonborough ConCom is also a member of the NH Association of Conservation Commissions; 217 ConComs with their own agenda.

We'll see.

Joseph Cormier

Moultonborough