The baby, the bathwater, and the budget

It is a week until the town meeting on April 7th and three weeks until the budget vote on April 21st.

This is not a perfect budget. It defers capital costs, including school infrastructure maintenance and construction, and cuts materials. It provides raises and benefit increases, under contract, to union members in an economy where many are struggling to keep their jobs. There are items that could be changed, reallocated, or cut, perhaps without affecting many of us personally. In an economy like this it is tempting to vote "no", as a referendum offers the one chance we as citizens have to say "no" to government and all of its problems.

However, I would urge people to try to make sure they know what they are voting for, and what they are voting against, particularly in a municipal referendum.

A "no" vote is not a vote against any particular person, any particular party or policy, any particular line item, anything specific on the town or education side.

A "yes" vote is for the things we have collectively decided, over time and through elected representation, that we value.

Does this mean that we should always pass the budget? Not necessarily. But the budget should be looked at on its merits rather than as a percentage change -- on what we are spending for what we are getting. Can we afford it? Each million dollars we cut will save the average household less than $8 per month.

In particular, I think we can be proud of our progress in the schools over the last several years. We should be extremely proud of the leadership of Dr. Forcella. He has worked tirelessly for the town and continues to do so with demonstrable academic results and has inspired many to do the same. The budget is efficient, some would say "bare bones", but does include strong programs in music, theater, and sports -- not by accident, but by the work and votes of many people over decades; programs that could easily be dismantled with a couple of million dollars in cuts.

Our town budget protects the elderly on fixed incomes, and provides for a safe and secure town with many services for the disadvantaged.

Hello Dolly is now being performed at Guilford High School (in an undersized auditorium :) I have heard fantastic things. A quote that was pointed out to me by Marian Breeze from the performance (said by Dolly herself):

"Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It's not worth a thing unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow."

There is much that could be done to make this budget better, and that should be done in the future to economize spending and help with revenue. But don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Vote "yes" on April 21st and help us to get out the vote to pass the budget.