Silly season underway in Hampton

To the Editor:

Since this is election season (which means silly season), it’s probably no surprise to read and hear about all manner of silliness. But I suppose some might prefer to learn some facts, if for no other reason than to better laugh at the silliness they encounter. So here we go.

FACT: The 2015 Default Budget produced by the Board of Selectmen is $886,588 over the 2014 operating budget. (Up 3.46 percent).

FACT: The 2015 Budget Committee proposal is $758,531 over the 2014 operating budget. (Up 2.96 percent).

FACT: Neither budget represents a “cut.” Both budgets represent increases.

Those that assert there have been “reductions” are regurgitating without thought, statements made by those using a “political calculator.” Only in the world of politics is an increase called a reduction!

The Budget Committee this year chose to use less “political arithmetic,” having a growing awareness of certain facts. One of those facts are that people who pay the tax bills can only use “real arithmetic” because “political calculators” don’t work with household budgets.

The Budget Committee has completed its budget for presentation to the town Legislature (also known as Town Meeting). Deliberative session is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 at Winnacunnet High School. All Hampton Citizens that attend will have a legislator’s vote.

Timothy "Citizen" Jones

Hampton Budget Committee member