My name is Scott McDonald, and my wife and I have lived here in Allenstown for 40 years. Our children were all raised and educated here. I am a former member of the Allenstown Fire Department and have been serving on our economic development committee for the last year.
We’ve seen so many changes in our town over the last 40 years. One thing that hasn’t changed is how New Hampshire towns and cities fund their schools. Twenty years after the Claremont lawsuit, we still struggle to financially support our schools and keep our tax rates reasonable. We cannot count on the Legislature to help us.
At the local level, we have to ensure we do everything possible to maximize the potential of our remaining taxable property. The business tax exemption sponsored by the economic development committee, which was passed overwhelmingly by voters in 2018, has been a boon for attracting new businesses to town. But the clock is ticking.
The state education stabilization grants that have helped Allenstown in the past are being eliminated soon, and a financial cliff is looming. We’ll need a solution soon to prevent a financial crisis in town. I’d like to be a part of that solution.
Our town elections are Tuesday, March 10. I’m asking for your vote as your new selectman. Together we can come up with a solution to maximize our tax base, fund our schools and services, and keep Allenstown financially viable without taxing our citizens out of their homes.
SCOTT W. McDONALD
Allenstown