I am pleased with the Middlebury selectboard decision to oppose tax stabilization for Aqua ViTea. To decide otherwise would create the proverbial “slippery slope.”
I have owned commercial property in the Middlebury Industrial Park for over 30 years, there were many times that not having the responsibility of meeting real estate tax obligations would have been very helpful to the bottom line. But in a free market environment all participants must pay their fair share.
Equity in commerce is what is expected by all taxpayers, not special arrangements for a few. I wish Aqua ViTea no harm, but at the same time, a level playing field must exist for businesses to compete fairly.
Maxwell Eaton
Upper Jay, N.Y.