ROYALSTON — At its recent meeting, the Royalston Town Democratic committee voted unanimously to take a public position on two of the four referendum questions on the November ballot.
The committee urges a “yes” vote on Question 1, known as the Fair Share Amendment or the “millionaire tax,” and a “yes” vote on Question 4, which would keep in place a state law pertaining to driver’s licenses for undocumented persons.
Question 1 would create a 4% tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million and require — in the state Constitution — that the funds be spent only on transportation and public education. The Fair Share organization stated, “Only people who earn more than $1 million annually will pay more; 99% of taxpayers won’t pay a penny more. And we’ll all benefit from better schools, colleges, roads, bridges, and public transportation.”
Question 4 would affirm approval of a law already passed by the Massachusetts Legislature and then voted on again to override the governor’s veto. The committee favors a “yes” vote on this question in order to keep the law, seen as a highway safety measure and favored by a majority of police chiefs.
The committee, along with most public safety experts, feels that it’s best if vehicle drivers have passed their driver tests and are licensed. Members feel it is incorrectly seen by foes as an immigration issue when it is really a safety issue.
The other referenda questions were briefly discussed but no position was taken on them. Question 2 pertains to profit limits on dental insurance and Question 3 concerns liquor sales license expansion.
The meeting was conducted by committee Chair Lynne Kellner.