County’s Avarice Takes All, Not Just What I Owe

Edition of Thursday-Friday, Dec. 11-12, 2014

To the Editor:

I read your editorial (of Nov. 27-28) and it brought tears to my eyes. You have a clear understanding of my agony to redeem my home.

For 51 days before the auction I tried without success to keep the house OUT of the auction and pay what I owed. My pleas did fall on deaf ears and cold hearts.

Mr. Crowell had full discretion to remove any property from the auction but, alas, he chose not to. He didn’t want to “disappoint” any potential buyer by removing any properties out of the catalogue. That’s the best he could do?

To make matters worse, a co-worker (who once worked in the treasurer’s office and still has close ties) bid on my home and is now waiting, as I am, for the outcome. Imagine working 50 feet away from someone who can’t wait to evict you. I pray to keep my home, while they want to add it to their “farming operation.”

The avarice of the county to take everything I have rather than what I owe them is something that most of the citizens may not be aware of. So many people think I would get the balance after taxes were satisfied. You stated it correctly….the county keeps it all. Everything.

Thank you, sir, for your insight and kindness. Perhaps the board will be merciful and I will have peace again. I was at the Dec. 3 board meeting asking again to pay what I owe them. Perhaps a Christmas Miracle! We have to change this redemption policy and allow individuals to keep their homes.

MARIA AJELLO
Town of Richfield