Marblehead LVW opposes Question 1

MARBLEHEAD – The League of Women Voters has taken a stand against Question 1, which seeks to repeal the state income tax, but the School Committee has declined to follow their example.School parent Zaxaro Bennett, a Marblehead League of Women Voters member who sits on the board of the state League, used the Public Participation segment of the committee agenda to advocate for the League’s position.Opponents and supporters seem to agree that elimination of the income tax would reduce state revenue by $12 billion. Opinions differ as to whether the amount could be made up or even whether the vote is binding.Committee member Jonathan Lederman said he was informed that even if the repeal passes, the Legislature will not act on it. Committee Chairman Amy Drinker disagreed with that.Lederman said he brought evidence to support the elimination of the state income tax, but in view of the committee’s lengthy agenda he would only discuss it if the committee chose to vote on a position.The matter was not on the committee’s agenda, however, and when committee member Patricia Blackmer made a motion for the committee to go on record opposing the tax repeal, the motion failed for lack of a second.