Senior Tax Relief Program Unfair

To the Editor,

I am a senior citizen and a Newtown resident for 30 years. I and many others have been told by the Tax Collector’s Office that the limit appropriated has been reached and we would receive no tax relief.  We were there well before the necessary accounting cutoff date.  We were put on a waiting list, like we were waiting for senior housing.

I can appreciate that the town only has so much allocated for Elderly Tax Relief, but this money should be divided among all qualifying seniors according to means and at least 5 years residency. It should be distributed each year, no matter how small the amount may be.

The present selection process of first come first served until the money runs out is so unfair that Ordinance 45 probably will not survive a court challenge.

John Weber

87 Poverty Hollow Road, Newtown                             June 12, 2000