To the editor:

“I am confident that the tax assessor will re-evaluate the process based on all the facts…It’s important to consider how this has impacted the community” said town manager Cunha. 

This statement is a giant step forward to address a taxpayer-initiated effort to overturn the tax assessor’s recent “tax assessment reform” practice. This indeed is welcome news and an improvement over the murky Q and A put forth in this paper by the TC, likely crafted by the solicitor. BTW, wouldn’t it be nice if his opinion on the matter were released to the public?

Now in the same article we read that Mr. Minardi confirmed that he would be taking another look at the policy (even though a written policy has never been publicized and might only be found next to Jimmy Hoffa’s remains).

 “Yes, I will re-evaluate it,” he said, adding, “That doesn’t mean I will change it.” Oh, snap! Is Mr. Minardi the only employee in town that cannot be directed by his superior to make a change in policy or procedure? Is the TC in fact unable to make a clear and coherent policy and direct the town manager to carry it out? 

And a simple question for the tax assessor: Did you ever stop to think how you might react if you were one of the 300 or so “guinea pig” residents that had to go through this ordeal after purchasing a new home? You might be the singular reason for the threat of yet another lawsuit against the town. 

And, do you realize how arrogant the latter part of your statement appears to taxpayers? Can you take a hint? You’re not being asked to re-wire the Space Shuttle. 

If the TC cannot come out from hiding and change this unfair and unreasonable tax assessment procedure, I know a few folks that would be happy to replace them on the TC next November. 

And this writer may just be one of them.

Scott Fuller

Barrington