Rethink The Timing Of The Budget
Rethink The Timing
Of The Budget
To the Editor:
Itâs hard for me to believe that only one in five eligible voters came out to the polls to vote on April 25. However, having the vote take place after a school break makes it very hard to contact parents timely when many are out of town.
My family was on vacation too, but since Iâm on the PTA board for Middle Gate, Iâm very aware of all school-related happenings. Parents who are not so closely involved in the school can only get their information from the paper or phone calls or signs.
Reading the paper when you get back from vacation is not the first priority! I feel the town needs to rethink the timing of the budget vote because of the importance of it.
My next disappointment is with the lack of informational signs around town reminding residents of the vote. I drove around town and saw basically nothing. Isnât a town vote worth advertising? I see more signs promoting school musicals.
As parents we do so much for our children. We make sure they eat right, we drive them all over creation for their many after-school activities, we monitor their friends and the Internet for their safety, etc. But, we neglect to remember that our children are growing up in a town that needs our attention. Voting for issues related to our town and children effect our quality of life. Itâs not just about the education part, itâs making sure our police officers and fire department have the equipment and manpower to do their jobs effectively. Itâs about our roads, keeping them well-maintained. Have you driven down New Lebbon or Brushy Hill lately? In the five years Iâve lived here, I donât remember any road paving going on. Road patching is more like it. Itâs about our public buildings and keeping them maintained; many need attention, especially the schools.
These things are our responsibility because we live here and we need to pay attention. So please, make it your business to put the next budget vote in your calendar and keep the appointment.
Linda Watson
51 High Rock Road, Sandy Hook                                      May 3, 2006