To The Editor:
In last week's paper there was a letter to the editor recommending that Waitsfield Select Board "work harder and more imaginatively to lower, not increase, our overall tax burden" and "No" on the Local Option Tax. LOT.
Careful observers of the work of our select board and town staff rightly conclude that this is exactly what the select board has already accomplished – worked incredibly hard and imaginatively to lower our tax burden. Consider, our town taxes have risen less than inflation for the past several years relative to inflation, an effective decline. Consider, the proposed 2026-2027 does the same. Additionally, the select board has proposed a Local Option Tax, a strategy for collecting tax revenue for the many visitors who benefit from what Waitsfield offers. This will clearly reduce the overall future tax burden on Waitsfield residents and allow our town to address critical infrastructure needs such as the town garage, wastewater treatment system, and needed culvert upgrades. Viewed together these actions bode well for a better and more resilient future for our community and for the entire Mad River Valley.
The letter writer concluded by urging residents to vote "No on the LOT."
Instead, I invite you to join me in commending members of the select board and town staff for working so tirelessly as thoughtful and caring stewards of our town, and voting Yes on the Local Option Tax.
Curt Lindberg,
Waitsfield
