Time for GD to Give Back

I can understand when the economy is bad why a company might need tax breaks to be competitive. I can understand that when defense spending is cut that a company that builds ships for the military might need tax incentives to be competitive. I can understand when the corporate tax rate is high that a company might need tax breaks to be competitive.

But I cannot understand why General Dynamics needs any tax breaks when the economy is strong and the national unemployment rate is at 4.1 percent. I cannot understand why General Dynamics needs a tax break when Congress just gave the Pentagon an additional $165 billion. I cannot understand why General Dynamics needs a tax break when Congress just passed tax reform, which lowers their tax rate so that they might be more competitive.

I personally believe that when the economy is strong, with the military budget increased, and new lower corporate tax rates that General Dynamics should not be asking Maine for more money. But I do believe that Maine should be asking General Dynamics for more.

The state of Maine and the city of Bath should be demanding that it is the time for General Dynamics to give back. This is the time for General Dynamics to improve their benefits for their employees. This is the time for General Dynamics to give back to the city of Bath and perhaps our mil rate, which is one of the highest in our county, could be lower. And we all could get some property tax relief.

The city of Bath and the state of Maine provide many good things to General Dynamics including high quality workers, skilled in building ships. We did provide the tax break so that they might be competitive and so General Dynamics is very successful. It time for General Dynamics to give back!

Holly Reid, Bath

No Sanctuary Status

At the Feb. 20 Brunswick Town Council meeting, a “Resolution Welcoming New Residents,” submitted by the group Sanctuary Brunswick, was adopted. The resolution seemed agreeable, but the wording opened the door for integration of illegal immigrants into our town. The resolution states “Whereas, the Town Council … supports … without regard to … immigration status …”, “… the successful integration of immigrants into our community …”

During public comment, concerns were voiced about the resolution wording related to illegal immigrants. Some councilpersons said that illegal immigrant wasn’t specifically mentioned. Only Councilman Watson did not agree with the resolution wording and offered an amendment that “legal immigrant” be specified. He stressed that illegal immigration must be dealt with properly in accordance with our laws and constitution. The amendment was rejected by the other council members. Surprisingly, one councilman stated he would vote to make Brunswick a Sanctuary town.

Sheltering illegal immigrants has led to civil and legal issues around our country, with many community actions being in violation of State and Federal laws. There are examples of law enforcement being hindered to notify or interact with federal law enforcement in dealing with criminal illegal immigrants. State and Federal governments are taking legal actions against these cities and towns

The cost to taxpayers for supporting illegal immigrants at the federal, state, and local levels is enormous, with some estimations near $116 billion, accounting for the $19 billion in taxes paid by illegal immigrants. When a councilman asked the Sanctuary Brunswick speaker what the cost to our town would be, she said that it hadn’t been determined, but would be provided later.

Additionally, is this resolution legally binding? If Brunswick residents voted against becoming a sanctuary town for illegal immigrants, could Brunswick be sued based on the wording in the resolution?

It seems the State of Maine is being targeted as a potential Sanctuary State. With all the articles in the newspapers around the state, and the numerous city and town resolutions currently being put in place, the special interest agenda seems obvious. This issue might merit the consideration of the Town residents.

James Sanoski, Brunswick