Get Involved
REALITY - There will be little change without citizens becoming knowledgeable of the issues, by sharing their opinions, and most of all by VOTING.
LEARN
We'll do our best to bring you the facts. We'll gladly share a schedule of upcoming Town Hall meetings if you wish to track the process of budget development.
Check our Facebook Page - Concerned Taxpayers of Scarborough
Email us at [email protected] to begin receiving the SMARTaxes newsletter, to ask questions, or to join the effort.
Write us at SMARTaxes, PO Box 893, Scarborough, ME 04070
Check our Facebook Page - Concerned Taxpayers of Scarborough
Email us at [email protected] to begin receiving the SMARTaxes newsletter, to ask questions, or to join the effort.
Write us at SMARTaxes, PO Box 893, Scarborough, ME 04070
SHARE YOUR VOICE
Consider sharing your opinion with the Town Council. Here's a quick step by step primer on delivering your message.
Making your voice heard: Writing to the Town Council
Please do not overlook writing to the Town Council to voice your concern or frustration. It’s a very quick and easy thing to do. And it is extremely important, too. When Council members don’t hear from us, they assume we are in agreement with their decisions. Please do your part to make them aware of your opinion!
Just 5 minutes and 6 really easy steps to making your voice heard:
1. Create an email to all the Council members at once: The following one email address will reach all of them: [email protected]
2. Put a clear, concise subject on the email: Something like: “Our property taxes are increasing too fast” or maybe: “Scarborough’s tax rates have become unaffordable.”
3. Tell them a bit about yourself: Perhaps along the lines of: “I am a 70-year old Scarborough resident living on a fixed income.” Or “My family has lived in Scarborough for more than 20 years and three of our children have attended Scarborough schools.”
4. Tell them what’s really bugging you and the impact it is having on you: “Our property taxes have increased at a much faster rate than my income over the last several years. My spouse and I are considering moving after living here for more than 40 years.” Or: “The Council needs to address the most critical issues while maintaining affordable tax rates for all residents.” If you want to add some specific numbers to support your argument, that will only improve your case.
5. Thank them for serving on the Council and for considering your views: Something like: “I appreciate the hard work you do for the Town, and I hope you will consider my concerns.”
6. Press send! That was easy, wasn’t it? And if you want to send us a copy of your email, please do! Email it to [email protected]. (We won’t share it without your consent.)
Please do not overlook writing to the Town Council to voice your concern or frustration. It’s a very quick and easy thing to do. And it is extremely important, too. When Council members don’t hear from us, they assume we are in agreement with their decisions. Please do your part to make them aware of your opinion!
Just 5 minutes and 6 really easy steps to making your voice heard:
1. Create an email to all the Council members at once: The following one email address will reach all of them: [email protected]
2. Put a clear, concise subject on the email: Something like: “Our property taxes are increasing too fast” or maybe: “Scarborough’s tax rates have become unaffordable.”
3. Tell them a bit about yourself: Perhaps along the lines of: “I am a 70-year old Scarborough resident living on a fixed income.” Or “My family has lived in Scarborough for more than 20 years and three of our children have attended Scarborough schools.”
4. Tell them what’s really bugging you and the impact it is having on you: “Our property taxes have increased at a much faster rate than my income over the last several years. My spouse and I are considering moving after living here for more than 40 years.” Or: “The Council needs to address the most critical issues while maintaining affordable tax rates for all residents.” If you want to add some specific numbers to support your argument, that will only improve your case.
5. Thank them for serving on the Council and for considering your views: Something like: “I appreciate the hard work you do for the Town, and I hope you will consider my concerns.”
6. Press send! That was easy, wasn’t it? And if you want to send us a copy of your email, please do! Email it to [email protected]. (We won’t share it without your consent.)
The following link details the Town Council members.
WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
While this takes a bit more effort, it can reach a wider audience. Remember to be clear and concise and in most cases the local newspapers are looking for no more than about 200 words. Running your final version through a spellchecker is always appreciated.
The Portland Press Herald - submit at pressherald.com/reader-services/letters-editor/
The Scarborough Leader - email your contribution to [email protected]
The Southern Forecaster - email your contribution to [email protected]
The Scarborough Leader - email your contribution to [email protected]
The Southern Forecaster - email your contribution to [email protected]
Recent Newspaper posts -
