I feel compelled to answer the defamatory attack launched against me by Groton assessor Mrs. Sangiolo in last week’s Groton Herald.
First of all, I have filed claims with the Appellate Tax Board for the last eight years against the assessors of Groton because for that period they have been unreasonably boosting up my taxes. Because they have an unreasonable opinion of value of what my 100 by 100 foot piece of land is worth.
The Appellate Tax Board agreed with me in six out of the eight cases I filed. I fail to see that that piece of land, surrounded by the 100-year flood plain, is worth $165,000. I am not adverse to paying my fair share, but that amount is ridiculous.
When Mr. McLaughlin of the assessor’s office was questioned by me in 2005 when the property value went up by $85,00, his reply was “When we get through, Mr. Stephens, you will have a million-dollar property.”
Other examples of their most recent abortions, according to the Lowell Sun, are: “42 Ridgewood Road assessment climbed 165 percent, 20 Highland Road assessment climbed 53 percent, 60 Island Road assessment climbed 68 percent.” Not to mention Mr. Clements’ Boston Road property that went up by $139,000 — which the Appellate Tax Board later dropped down by that amount. After Mr. Clements sold the property, Mrs. Swezey bumped it back up in value another $139,900. Who has the fair sense of value?
The assessors, by unfairly overvaluing people’s property, have violated the oath of office they take when they begin their job. According to the rules of recall this makes them all recallable.
Anyone wishing to sign my recall petition may call me at (978) 448-9894. I think the assessors should all resign, saving the town a costly recall election. The selectmen should appoint a certified real estate appraiser to revalue all property.
R.S. STEPHENS
Groton
(Editor’s note: A copy of an ‘assessor oath of office’ form was included with the letter.)
