An April 28 letter to the editor makes claims about Deerfield that don’t hold up on closer examination [“Deerfield needs David Wolfram on Select Board”]. In particular, the letter addresses property tax increases and housing affordability.

Let’s talk taxes first. Because of inflation, each year it costs more to deliver the same services at our schools, for example. Under normal inflation, moderate real estate tax increases might be expected.

From 2019 to 2022, however, something unusual occurred. Deerfield voters approved two major projects — an overhaul of the South Deerfield sewer plant and a Tilton Library expansion. David Wolfram was a board member in these three years, when the Selectboard’s work on both projects was completed. The library vote took place in fall 2022, after Tim Hilchey defeated Mr. Wolfram. In both cases, voters also approved debt exclusions, which means they voted to temporarily increase Deerfield’s property tax levy to cover the cost of these capital projects. These debt-excluded costs are largely responsible for the recent real estate tax trends.

Mr. Wolfram has been a Selectboard member on several occasions. In each year he served, the tax levy increased by the maximum amount allowed under Proposition 2½. Over the past five years, when the letter writers say taxes increased 25%, Mr. Wolfram was on the board in two of those years.

Let’s examine housing. Market forces dictate the housing prices. Deerfield is a desirable place to live, and buyers are willing to pay higher prices for homes and building lots. Even modest Deerfield homes sell at a significant premium when compared with neighboring towns.

The writers of the letter also seek to belittle Tim Hilchey for making the Leary Lot a reality. But in Mr. Wolfram’s own campaign literature, he claims: “Developed the Leary Lot in collaboration with other leaders for Expanded Public Parking, greatly benefiting downtown business owners.” Which is it? Mr. Wolfram had three years to build the Leary Lot and nothing happened.

Ava Gips

Deerfield