On ballot questions: No, no and no

As is often the case when it comes to state elections, there are more than just legislative seats at stake.
The November 2010 ballot has three statewide questions on it.
Question 1 asks whether to remove the sales tax on alcoholic beverages and alcohol, where the sale of such beverages and alcohol or their importation into the state is already subject to a separate excise tax under state law.
Question 2, proposed by initiative petition would repeal an existing state law that allows a qualified organization wishing to build government-subsidized housing that includes low- or moderate-income units to apply for a single comprehensive permit from a city or town’s zoning board of appeals (ZBA), instead of separate permits from each local agency or official having jurisdiction over any aspect of the proposed housing.
Question 3, if passed, reduces the state sales and use tax rates (which were 6.25 percent as of Sept. 2009) to 3 percent, starting next year. It would make the same reduction in the rate used to determine the amount to be deposited with the state Commissioner of Revenue by non-resident building contractors as security for the payment of sales and use tax on tangible personal property used in carrying out their contracts.
The right votes in this case are "No," "No" and "No."
Quite frankly, despite the protestations of some delusional lawmakers, this state really is "Taxachusetts." Why change it now? And why be discriminatory? Smokers have been taxed right out of the state, across the border into New Hampshire - or onto the Internet - where prices are significantly lower. A carton of Marlboros in Massachusetts now costs in the neighborhood of $80-plus. Alcohol may not be the poster child of evil vices as are cigarettes, but it can be just as unhealthy. Keep the tax.
On Question 2, there's no need for the hoops and red tape that can so bog down things here in Massachusetts. Under current law, the local Zoning Board of Appeals holds a public hearing on individual applications, taking into consideration the recommendations of various local agencies and officials. This, instead of requiring applicants to seek separate permits. There is recourse for an applicant whose bid is denied as well as for those who may be in opposition to the permit. Given there are so many communities in need of affordable housing, especially for seniors, there need not be any more roadblocks put in place, so long as any and all conditions put in place by the local ZBA have been met.
The sales tax issue is simple. If this were an attempt to roll back to 5 percent, it would make sense. Instead, we're talking a 3.25-percent cut. The increase from 5 to 6.25 percent was greeted with dismay here, but the fact is lawmakers approved it. We now depend on the extra money. Scaling back by 1.25 percent wouldn't be too bad, but absent any solid alternatives to make up the lost revenue, especially given the much-less-than-solid ground upon which our economy currently sits, it would be unwise (although understandably enticing) to reduce the tax rate by such a large amount at this time.
For all the election-related info you could need, visit the Secretary of State's Web site at http://www.sec.state.ma.us/.