What Do We Get For Our Money?

To the Editor:

Fifty-three people did not cause the budget to be defeated; 1,768 voters voted against the budget. Slightly more than half of the voters did not want this budget to pass. The solution, according to reports, is to trim a whopping 1/10 of a mill or just revote on the same budget. The latter strategy is insulting, but speaks volumes as to how those of us who voted against the budget are viewed.

I can only speak for myself as to why I voted against the budget. Those two main reasons are as follows: each year more and more companies move their facilities and tax base out of town and the school budgeting process is reckless. The latter exemplified when the question was asked as to why we needed to spend $196,000 on three buses. No one had an answer, well except for David Nanavaty who thought that we should just order them without having to show a need. Money is needed to fund our schools and maintain the quality of education, I understand that, but fiscal responsibility means using our tax dollars wisely. The proposed budget will cost me another $600; I don’t generally spend that much money without getting something for it. What will I be getting?

As far as the tax base is concerned, we need a selectman that has some business savvy and understands that individually taxpayers should not always bear the full brunt of costs. That tax breaks are needed to keep businesses in town as well as lure others in. I am sure Herb Rosenthal is a nice man, but every year when my taxes go up and I have nothing to show for it; being a nice guy does not mean much. We should have never lost the Taunton Press printing facility. What is next?

Get out and vote, don’t let others make the decision for you. Let’s get some significant numbers out there. If you disagree with me, then show it in the polls. If you agree with me and are as frustrated as I am then nothing will speak more loudly than you voting No.

Christopher Marion

8 Brookwood Drive, Newtown May 3, 2006