Fear-Based Voting

To the Editor:

After reading our superintendent of school’s letter to parents about the second budget vote, I felt uneasy and respond accordingly.

Fear-based coercion is no way to negotiate a municipal budget process. While it is understandable to recognize the superintendent’s concern for further educational side funding cuts, suggesting a second No vote on the budget will mandate further educational cuts is fear-based speculation at best. If we as an electorate can make clear our goals and expectations for the budget process, our leaders will be put in position to further the will of the people, be it additional spending or further reductions.

What does it say about the process when our own superintendent of schools feels compelled to sway votes out of fear?

The process is broken when actions from elected officials do not reflect the will of their constituents.

It is incumbent upon all voters to make their voice heard and give our officials the knowledge and confidence to propose a budget which truly reflects the will of the voting public. It is not fair to place all the responsibility in our leaders’ hands without guiding them. We voters are responsible for providing our officials the tools to propose a budget of the people. Whether Yes or No, make yourself part of the process and get involved, it really does matter!

John P. Hughes

 4 Grand Place, Newtown                                                    May 5, 2010