Dear West Hartford Town Council & Board Members,

I have been a proud resident of West Hartford for 19 years; 14 of those as a homeowner on Garland Road.  I have 2 children both in the public school system and for the most part have been happy with their education.  However, I am extremely concerned with the state of the property tax situation and I felt it was finally time to voice my concern directly to you, our elected officials.

 The tax increases over the past 10 years in West Hartford are inexcusable.  Our house taxes have tripled in this time.  Not only have assessments over these years been totally random and without a seemingly valid basis but spending in West Hartford is OUT OF CONTROL.  I have children in the schools, am a strong believer in a good public education but even from where I stand, I see waste. I understand the need to maintain a high level of education, but I strongly believe it can be done without consistently increasing the budget at these levels year after year.  As the population in West Hartford changes we can no longer afford to keep up with Farmington, Avon, Simsbury, Glastonbury, etc. in terms of our educational system.  We have become more like a small city and it is impossible to provide all services and programs to all people.

It has been painful to listen to the last couple of board meetings, where the majority of the board is unwilling or unable to take a stand when it comes to denying programs. You as elected officials need to take a stand and show some fiscal responsibility.   Benefits given to town employees are way above and beyond what those of us in the private sector receive.  The bussing situation in town alone is enough to make a person crazy--Just why are we sending two sets of buses out to high school students??  IT MAKES NO SENSE...as well as special buses for students from low income areas so that they can attend early morning functions such as choir, orchestra, etc.  We must start asking families to take responsibility for the CHOICES they are making and have made in their lives instead of asking taxpayers to enable them.  I as a taxpayer have to rearrange my schedule to accommodate the choices I make for my children to attend before school and after school activities. We should all have the same expectations for all citizens in town. 

I strongly believe that if we cannot keep property taxes under control, property values will seriously decline, creating far greater problems for our town.   Increased property taxes will drive young and old alike out of town.  WEST HARTFORD PROPERTY TAXES ARE OUT OF CONTROL!   I urge you to please take a stand and make some tough decisions to reduce our budget for the health and future welfare of West Hartford. 

Thank  you for your dedication to this process.

Sincerely,

Tina Krueger

29 Garland Road