Coffee With the Candidates Monday at Reading Co-op Bank.

The Reading Chamber of Commerce Candidates Coffee will be held Monday, March 20, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Reading Cooperative Bank’s Corporate Headquarters on Walker’s Brook Drive. The event with Reading's candidates for selectmen had been scheduled for Wednesday but moved after the snow storm.

The issues this election can be difficult to understand. Reading and North Reading are two of the only towns with a single tax rate, which means businesses and residents pay the same tax rate. A split tax rate, where business pay more than residents is found in all of our neighboring towns. Most of these towns have more businesses to support this model, so it doesn't create such a burden on businesses. A split tax rate will affect every business in town, as the increased taxes will trickle through to rents and cost of good.

The candidates for selectmen will each be given 5 minutes to address business related topics beginning at 8 a.m. There will be ample time for individual questions or concerns before and after the presentation. There will not be a formal Q & A during this event. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.