CPA Will Be on Nov. 6 Ballot

An effort to put the Community Preservation Act on the Nov. 6 ballot has been successful, according to Mayor Kimberley Driscoll.

The Act, which would permit a property tax surcharge that could be used by the city for open space and other projects, according to the Salem News, was voted down last month by the City Council.

"This initiative was affirmatively voted on by the City Council in 2007, however it was ultimately rejected by the voters at the ballot box,"

In an effort to get the CPA issue on the November ballot, the Mayor and some residents started a five-day campaign to get at least 1,350 signatures (the required number), according to the Mayor's Facebook Page.

On Twitter Tuesday, Driscoll announced the effort to get the issue on the ballot was successful and invited supports to toast to the accomplishment: "CPA ballot bound in Salem as 1601 signatures certified today by City Clerk! Come celebrate this amazing 5 day feat on Fri-9/7, 6pm ," she tweeted.

On her Facebook, page Driscoll said she was "glad voters will have a chance to weigh in directly on this worthwhile tool to improve our community."

The issue was not without controversy. On the issue of the surcharge, Prevey "when you add it to every other increase, it becomes a crushing financial burden for so many people. The cumulative effect is truly a death by a thousand paper cuts; some people have the blood to withstand it, while others are quickly being bled dry."

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