Budget Round 2

To the Editor:

The annual budget referendum has produced interesting results. The proposed budget failed by a record margin and the finger pointing has begun. The town officials blame a lack of communication/loss of trust/failure to recognize the importance of education/etc.

Let me propose a rather simple explanation. The voters cannot afford any more taxes. Rather simple isn’t it? I repeat… we cannot afford to pay any more taxes.

It is becoming clear that the revenue from property taxes cannot be increased. The entire funding mechanism for public education, which relies heavily on this source, must be revamped. Sales and income tax are good places to start. This will take some of the burden off of the property owners. This will require some out-of-the-box thinking which is not the norm for political leaders.

A crisis of funding may bring this issue into focus. Keep voting No until this simple fact is understood by our officials.

Ronald Polard

5 Point O’ Rocks Road, Newtown                                  April 29, 2012