Brookline Organization Forms In Opposition To Override

BROOKLINE, MA — A new organization has assembled in opposition to the proposed town tax override that will appear on the ballot for residents to vote on in next month’s election.

Keep Brookline Affordable filed organizational paperwork with the Town Clerk’s Office on Monday, April 6.

“Keep Brookline Affordable seeks to raise awareness of the ballot question proposing to override MA state law limiting property tax growth,” the filing reads. “And to encourage town residents to advocate and vote for efficient government.”

The document names resident Stephen Reeders as its Chair. He is a former member of the town’s Advisory Committee and has a history of promoting fiscal conservatism in Brookline. He works as a venture capitalist having founded his own firm nearly 30 years ago.

Alok Somani is the organization’s Treasurer. Somani is also a former Advisory Committee member who works in the field of venture capitalism. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer for Orbit Startups.

The potential override worth $23,254,439 would be collected from residents through personal and property tax increases throughout the next three fiscal years. $17.94 million would be allocated to the public school district, with the remaining $5.31 million being used for town departments. Original plans included giving residents a two-tiered override option, with the other choice being one worth approximately $18.6 million. However, the Select Board ultimately decided to opt for the single-tiered ballot question, with the exception of member John VanScoyoc abstaining from the vote.

Keep Brookline Affordable is now working in direct opposition to Yes For Brookline, an organization that is advocating in support of passing the override. Yes For Brookline is led by residents Jeremy Redburn and Erin Meyer.

Elizabeth Childs said on behalf of Keep Brookline Affordable that the amount of the proposed override is simply too large and will negatively affect the diversity and accessibility to the town, according to a report from Brookline News.

See Also:

Maine Police Still Looking To Solve Murder Of Brookline Man 50 Years Later

Brookline Police Chief Gets 3-year Contract Extension

Brookline School Leaders Exploring Possible Improvements To Unique History Course

Brookline Chinese Restaurant Is Closing Its Doors This Summer

Brookline School Considering Possible Relocation

Man Facing Weapon Charges After Brookline Arrest

Brookline Chamber Of Commerce Coming To An End

Man Facing Charges Of Attempted Mail Theft In Brookline Given Pre-trial Probation

Former Brookline Teacher Sentenced On Child Exploitation Charges

Local Physician Launches Campaign For Brookline School Committee

Career Educator Launches Bid For Brookline School Committee