BY PATRICK O’NEILL
The question of whether citizens should be able to vote for an amendment to the state Constitution to define marriage was the central debate at the New Boston deliberative session of Town Meeting on Monday, Feb. 1.
Residents argued for nearly an hour and a half over Article 21, which would allow a resolution to be sent to state representatives that citizens be allowed to vote on an amendment to the New Hampshire Constitution defining “marriage.”
“I think it’s critically important,” said Victor Parrish of Hopkins Road. “Unfortunately, it’s an issue that causes division, but it’s an issue that needs to be addressed in a polite, diligent and respectful way.”
“Some of the (technological) things we’ve seen are leaps and bounds beyond what I know,” said Ken Parnell of Town Farm Road at the meeting. “All of these changes are just baffling to me. I have friends who are gay, relatives who are gay, but I find there’s a point where I have to say no to change. I would hope this amendment passes.”
Bill Morrissey of Mill Street proposed an amendment so the wording of the article would only read that the citizens should be “free to marry” rather than allowed to vote on an amendment. After debate, the motion was defeated and the original wording was kept.
“It’s about the freedom to vote,” said Amy Partin of Chestnut Hill Road. “Who doesn’t love freedom? It’s about having people’s voices be heard.”
Budget talk
The Board of Selectmen also discussed the budget for next year. If approved, the operating budget would be $4,018,063. If rejected, the default budget would be $3,943,142. The operating budget would increase the tax rate by 19 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or $47.50 on a $250,000 home, if passed.
“We think we’ve been very frugal,” said Burton Reynolds, town administrator. “We’ve funded things the way we really needed to.”
Outside of an increase in funds for the Police Department to cover a newly hired police officer from last year, most departments have seen little increase in their budgets. Other warrant articles that made it onto the ballot included establishing an Ambulance Service Revolving Fund to help with the costs of providing emergency medical services. Revenues collected from ambulance billing would be put into the fund to pay for EMS equipment and training.
“We do not want to impact anybody with any hardship,” said Fire Chief Daniel MacDonald. “We are trying to take advantage of some financial programs.”
Article 24 addressed $610,000 for the renovation of the Town Hall. Article 26 requested $35,000 for the renovation of the Historical Building for Town Offices. Article 34 sought $85,000 to replace a culvert and make other improvements to Old Coach Road. All articles made it to the ballot.
David Woodbury was also honored for his nine years of service to the town as selectman before the start of the meeting. “I really appreciate all he’s done in just the one year I’ve worked with him,” said Rodney Towne.
Voting on the warrant articles will take place on Tuesday, March 9, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at New Boston Central School.