Here is a YouTube video of the complete Northampton Property Tax Override Forum sponsored by the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association on June 19. This recording was made by Ruth McGrath. W3NA president Jerry Budgar describes the format of the forum:
Mayor David Narkewicz will speak in favor of the override and Ward 7 City Councillor Gene Tacy will speak in opposition. The forum will begin with each speaker having up to five minutes to make an opening presentation. For the next hour, the speakers will answer questions from the audience, with each speaker getting two minutes, in rotating order, to respond to the issue raised. During the last half hour of the forum, audience members will be given two minutes to discuss why they either support or oppose the override, with alternating “pro” and “con” statements. The president of the Association, Jerry Budgar, will serve as moderator for the forum. The vote on the override proposal will occur on Tuesday, June 25th.
See also:
Gazette: “Voters sound off on proposed $2.5 million tax override at Northampton forum” (6/20/13)
Gazette: “Balancing the books: Northampton grapples with override implications” (6/21/13)
Gazette: “Reader opinions: What’s at stake in Northampton’s Prop. 2½ override vote June 25” (6/19/13)