Just as some - deservedly so - are experiencing a sense of great relief and exuberance in terms of their individual or collective campaign successes, we must not forget that others - equally committed to their candidates and/or causes are experiencing a sense of loss, disappointment, frustration, and in some cases perhaps even anger. This of course, is all part of the election process and one recognizes that regardless of the positions taken there are significant issues that these campaigns/initiatives have called attention to and we are all the wiser for taking a deliberate and reasonable approach in considering the viewpoints of all.
To that end, we must recognize that the ballot initiative to revoke the CPA has served a very valuable and important service in highlighting the real concerns residents have about spending and debt in general. Equally, it provided a great opportunity for residents to become better informed about this highly vetted, extremely valuable and important program. It is important to note however that it would be imprudent for any to presume that the very successful effort to keep the CPA in Sturbridge signals a green light to spending; to do so would represent a fundamental failure to recognize the very real concerns of the 42% who voted against the CPA.
There is little doubt that those who spearheaded the efforts to save the CPA understand the importance of a fiscally sound approach with respect to CPA funds. Such is evident in their overall approach to project submission for consideration by voters. Clearly as taxpayers, they too recognize that concerns exist, which is a significant reason that no substantive projects have been submitted for action by voters over the last two years. That is evident again this year based upon the draft Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
It is critical as well however, that those elected and appointed officials (BOS & FinCom) who make recommendations at Town Meeting for voter consideration recognize that there is little appetite for spending and additional debt within the community. Thus, it is imperative that our approach to the budget and the future use of tax dollars be carefully scrutinized, fiscally conservative, and "return on investment" centered. Any other approach would be an affront to those who voted in opposition to the CPA as well as the 58% majority that voted to maintain the CPA, as both supporters and non-supporters of the CPA are relatively uniform in their concerns about spending and debt, regardless of from where it manifests.
Considering that we are all neighbors in one form or another and that all of us want a community that provides character, charm, a great quality of life, and a level of affordability that allows us to enjoy this remarkable place we call home, I am hopeful that we can all now put the election behind us and move forward TOGETHER.
There is little doubt that those who spearheaded the efforts to save the CPA understand the importance of a fiscally sound approach with respect to CPA funds. Such is evident in their overall approach to project submission for consideration by voters. Clearly as taxpayers, they too recognize that concerns exist, which is a significant reason that no substantive projects have been submitted for action by voters over the last two years. That is evident again this year based upon the draft Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
It is critical as well however, that those elected and appointed officials (BOS & FinCom) who make recommendations at Town Meeting for voter consideration recognize that there is little appetite for spending and additional debt within the community. Thus, it is imperative that our approach to the budget and the future use of tax dollars be carefully scrutinized, fiscally conservative, and "return on investment" centered. Any other approach would be an affront to those who voted in opposition to the CPA as well as the 58% majority that voted to maintain the CPA, as both supporters and non-supporters of the CPA are relatively uniform in their concerns about spending and debt, regardless of from where it manifests.
Considering that we are all neighbors in one form or another and that all of us want a community that provides character, charm, a great quality of life, and a level of affordability that allows us to enjoy this remarkable place we call home, I am hopeful that we can all now put the election behind us and move forward TOGETHER.
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