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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hi Sue –<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I tried to be clear in my prior emails concerning the reasons the town is considering the purchase of this property; it seems I have failed and for this I apologize. I will try again.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I cannot speak to the situation you mentioned concerning town improvements, projects etc.; I was not a part of any prior administration and have only held office since June 2011. As you have indicated, town’s financial futures ebb and flow. We are fortunate enough to have multiple revenue streams that are not tied to just property and income taxes. We have not always had these – the increased revenues started over the last 12-24 months with projects like M-Square coming on-line. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As I have stated, this situation is a highly unique given that it concerns a building whose Occupancy and Use will not be permitted in the future. We are not pursuing this course of action because we want or need the property; we are pursuing it because the Town can put the property to its best use whereas the current owner will not. It is not anticipated that the Town will hold this property in perpetuity and any future resell will result in the Town’s coffers being repaid for all public tax money that was spent on the acquisition.. We are dealing with other properties like the vacancies at Town Center in a different manner (i.e. there is no compelling reason at this time to engage in negotiations to purchase them when we have other methods and tools to achieve the same ends – a healthy, vibrant, and economically viable Town Center).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have specific projects that you would like to bring forward to the Council, I encourage you to do so. While Town Talk is a great forum to air grievances, the more proper place is to give public comment at one of the meetings and to work with your representative Councilmember (which I believe I am). Again, I did not represent you in the past and I hope that you will judge your experiences with me based on my actions vs. your previous history with the Town. The surplus that our current budget year has allowed the Town to reduce your taxes and the consummation of the land transfer of Jey’s Auto will afford the town additional opportunities to lower residents taxes. Although not as visible as giving every a check, every resident, cardboard sign or not, did receive some financial assistance in that everyone will keep more of their hard-earned money vs. paying more in taxes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Best,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jonathan<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>