Thursday, 4:30 PM
Brookline, always the trendsetter, weighs SUV tax, trans fat ban
(Globe Staff file photos)
By Globe Staff
Brookline has earned a name as a government trendsetter, banning smoking in bars and restaurants as early as 1994 and outlawing spanking in 2005. At Town Meeting this evening, voters have a chance to enhance that reputation as they take aim at gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles and cholesterol-boosting trans fats.
The proposals, which would double taxes on SUVs and forbid trans fat from the town's 200 restaurants, are two of 23 citizen petitions that will be debated over the next few nights in the high school auditorium. Direct democracy here is relatively simple: a town resident needs to gather 10 signatures from registered voters and follow a few legal guidelines to get put to a vote at Town Meeting.
The SUV tax, which will be Article 16 on tonight's agenda, takes issue with the lower fuel efficiency, pollution, and increased wear and tear on town roads from larger vehicles. Doubling the town excise tax for SUVs would "more fairly apportion the costs of maintenance of town roads" by providing revenue for the town, according to the proposal.
Trans fats are artificial oils used in frying and found in salad dressings and margarine, cakes, cookies, and pies. While they are prized for extending product shelf life, trans fats boost bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, which contributes to heart disease, research has shown.
New York City became the first municipality to prohibit the use of trans fats in restaurants with a ban that takes effect in July. Massachusetts is also weighing a ban, with a bill being considered by the Legislature's Joint Committee on Public Health at a hearing in July.
Brookline would be the first town in the state to outlaw trans fats if the measure is approved. The initiative is number 23 on agenda, which means it is unlikely that the issue will come to a vote this evening, according to town officials. If necessary, Town Meeting will continue at 7 p.m. on Thursday.
