On June 7, a group of residents from the Kearsarge Regional School District met in New London to discuss ever-increasing property taxes.

The gathering was spearheaded by a small group from the area that had been meeting for several months with the purpose of exploring ways of paying for education and community services other than relying mainly on property taxes.

Although all representatives from the area were invited, Rep. Eric Schmidt from Grantham was the sole legislator who came. Thoughtful and somewhat informative about how money is allocated through the general fund, he said another broad based tax is a subject never discussed in the Legislature.

Fears of non-re-election prevail.

Tom Shamberg, who is running for representative in the area, led the discussion, pointing out the huge increases each year in individual property taxes. Others rose to describe their particular circumstances, some wondering if they would be able to stay in their homes.

A business man spoke who mentioned several companies he had brought to New Hampshire.

He encouraged the growth of businesses and markets where the state could make money from the business profits tax. It was pointed out however, that New Hampshire is known for its bucolic nature and that the state profits from the tourism trade accordingly.

The state lottery was established is 1964, the profits after expenses to be targeted strictly toward education. Today only 26 percent of the lottery profits go toward education, and this when schools’ needs are greater than they have been in the past.

Something has to give. No one wants to take away from the schools. But an ever-increasing property tax is unsustainable. If not another broad-based tax, perhaps a specifically directed tax would work. Rep. Schmidt suggested taxing fizzy drinks, a popular but unnecessary item. (Philadelphia just put a 1½% tax on all sweet drinks). Surely there are others.

Here is a challenge to the Legislature for next session. We in the Kearsarge Regional School District will line up a list of unnecessary items, directed to be taxed for schools, and you, the Legislature put them on a statewide ballot for the voters to consider. If it passes, it will go into the constitution specifically as education tax.

Joanna White lives in Sutton.