Are Fire District Taxes Fair in Enfield? No.

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Thompsonville fire house Everyone in Enfield gets a tax bill based on their property assessment, but here’s the puzzling reality: the amount you pay for fire protection depends entirely on your neighborhood. Residents are taxed at different rates for fire protection, and the differences can be substantial. If I were a homeowner in Thompsonville, I’d be livid — and justifiably so, since they pay the most for the same service. The reason is simple: Enfield has five separate fire districts. Each sets its own budget and mill rate — an outdated system that creates real inequities in our tax bills. I have nothing but praise for Enfield’s emergency services — fire, police, and EMS. They’ve helped my family, and I’m grateful. The problem is how we pay for this help. We don’t charge people for police protection based on where they live — but we do for fire services. Four of the Five Fire Districts May Consolidate That may soon change. Multiple sources, both Democrats and Republicans, confirm t...
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Hope on Enfield Street: Standing Up and Standing Together

 

No Kings protest at Town Hall, Enfield CT. 

The turnout in Enfield for the "No Kings" protest was fantastic—it was filled with positive energy. I had the greatest time. It felt cathartic and buoyant, all at once. All the negative energy generated by the government was replaced with something really uplifting. So many smiling people. 

Like me, I’m sure many of the people there are angry about what’s happening in our country today. But what shone through at the protest wasn’t anger—it was joy. The joy of being with others who feel the same, who came together to support one another and stand in opposition to a government we believe is hurting our country.

Every other car seemed to honk in support. People waved, gave us thumbs up, and smiled.

Molly, my dog, got more pets than she knew what to do with—and she was thrilled. I met kind, thoughtful people, and there was just a sense of shared purpose and good cheer.

I don’t know how many people showed up, but a throng lined Elm Street and stretched far up Enfield Street—easily hundreds. It was incredible.

After months of grim headlines and presidential actions that clash with the soul of this country, being out there gave me something I didn’t know I needed: hope.

Update: I wasn't at the part of the rally where a truck managed to spew black diesel exhaust at the crowd. The Enfield Patch did an excellent story on what happened with links to the videos. It's shocking. But the part of the rally I was there to witness could not have been more peaceful. The people from Enfield did not deserve this abuse. 
Enfield and Elm Streets

Molly, who is a registered Democrat and votes, had some questions about this sign.