Not Much Of A Reduction

To the Editor:

The budget battle continues with the latest insult to the taxpayers by the town council members trimming $295,000 from the defeated budget. To put the offer in perspective, let’s assume the original budget was $10,000. The council members are now asking the voters to accept a budget of $9,970 — not much of a reduction.

What we have is a failure of government to do with less. The astounding debt service payment of $8,021,267 is proof of the town’s failure to live within its means. Unlike government, the taxpayers must make choices in priorities when they deal with a fixed amount of income. The town starts from the opposite side of the equation, figuring out what they are going to spend and then setting the mill rate to achieve the desired income. How many of us would love to increase our income at will to satisfy our desires?

What exists is a system doomed to failure. The town demanding more and more of the fixed incomes of its residents. Considering what is at stake the low voter turnout is amazing.

Ronald Polard

5 Point O’ Rocks Road, Newtown                                  April 28, 2006