School Budget vs. Property Taxes

I am writing in response to the several news articles and commentaries printed recently in the Times Record about the school budget and the issue of the possible need to raise property taxes due to the cost of the proposed school budget.

I wrote an email to Dan Harris after reading Dan’s letter suggesting that the school budget should be cut by one million dollars. Mr. Harris does not favor raising property taxes while putting the younger generation at risk by not doing everything in our power to give our children the best education possible and to begin that education at the pre- school level. As a retired pre-school and kindergarten teacher, I can testify to the value of early education and to having the best facilities and programs available to all children even if it means raising our property taxes. We are investing in the well being of the next generation. I appreciate that Mr.Harris replied to my email and that we do agree that when speaking of spending money and budgets, the Town of Brunswick does not need to be considering building an outdoor pool and does need to move ahead to build a new fire department facility.

It is upsetting that more folks are not involved and going to the Town Council meetings and hearings concerning the school budget. Budgets and taxes and funding are daunting subjects and complicated as decisions involve all levels of government and a broad base of citizens. We depend on our elected leaders to act on our behalf, however, it is our privilege and right to speak up to voice our opinions and concerns.

I am speaking up in the hopes that we can do the best for the children of Brunswick by providing the best education possible. I agree with Sarah Singer and Ben Tucker who wrote in their commentary April 28, “We believe that the Town Council and Brunswick voters will support a prudent school budget that protects the high quality of education in our town.” Hopefully all eligible voters will turn out to vote on Tuesday, June 13 to vote for the budget as well as whether to approve a $28 million bond to build a new elementary school. Our Brunswick kids are counting on us to vote YES!

Nancy D. Bliss

Brunswick