Budget Supporters

Need To Think Long Term

To the Editor:

Overall I am encouraged by the results of the Board of Finance meeting on March 8. The public came out, they were heard, and in general I believe the Board of Finance took action accordingly. Sure, I would have preferred the total budget approved as is and the public given an opportunity to vote on it. But I admit some sense of relief that only $250,000 was cut from the Board of Education budget. I also hope that the cuts to the town budget will not result in a reduction or elimination of services. Restructuring debt service and deferring purchases are great ideas, but won’t be the solution every year. At some point we need to pay up or do with less.

Yet I also feel like asking why a lean, conservative, responsible budget can’t get approved and passed on. What is the incentive to put forth a prudent and sound budget knowing that something will be cut regardless? Board of Education member Andrew Buzzi summarized it best when he stated that the Board of Education sees it as part of their role to continually find ways to reduce costs throughout the year while delivering the quality education we expect. This is precisely the type of accountability we should expect from our elected officials. Sometimes cutting the budget isn’t the only way to go. The Board of Education, and the selectmen, should heed the call to find other ways to save money, such as negotiating new health insurance contracts for employees.

The Board of Finance oversees how our tax dollars are utilized and that we don’t spend too much. But who makes sure we don’t spend too little? Fortunately, the public seems to have finally realized it is our job. The opportunity to impact this budget is not over. Support for this budget needs to be just as strong, if not stronger, at the Legislative Council hearing on March 24 to demonstrate that we care about maintaining the municipal services and quality education that define who we are as a community. Everyone attending the most recent Board of Finance meetings should be there on March 24 along with a friend. We must ensure the budgets are not cut any further and given a chance to be voted on by the taxpayers. And with that opportunity, we must come out in force on April 27 to show our elected officials that they have done the right thing.

Let’s not stop then. Last year’s budget process provoked some long needed calls for open space acquisition. While I also advocate appropriate economic development, senior tax credits, and a senior tax deferral program, we cannot wait any longer to take action on preserving open space. There was talk, but little action last year. Newtown needs to pass a bond referendum to fund an active and aggressive open space acquisition program. What’s needed is public support, similar to what we’ve seen this budget season. We cannot take our attention off the goal of passing the budget, but supporters must begin thinking long term about how to avoid enduring painful budget processes year after year. This is the situation we face and it will not get any better without action. One way everyone can help is by following a successful budget vote with an active call for open space acquisition. Our work has only just begun. 

Michael J. McCabe

5 Far Horizon Drive, Sandy Hook                                 March 15, 2003