(vote on $520 gift to schools)
October 6, 2004
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Joseph Gillis Jr.
You can do something!
At last night's Special Town Meeting, a large crowd overwhelmingly approved the 'gifting' of $520k from Bridgewater's Free Cash to Bridgewater's K-8 Schools. Many people spoke, concerned about the fact that this vote does not address other issues - like the high school or the lack of confidence with information provided by town elected officials. Some of the more interesting comments:
Steve Heaslip, former principal at B-R High. Major concerns for the town with respect to future requests for money. If in June we were told "no more money", how is it that after these dire times, money is suddenly available immediately after the failed over-ride vote. He believes that this will jeopardize any future attempts to show that funds are needed.
Bruce Langlan. Voiced concerns over the fact that the high school has been forgotten about during this cycle of trying to put money towards K-8 education only.
Mike Demos, Chair Bridgwater Advisory Board. Re-iterated the concerns expressed by Mr. Heaslip and Mr. Langlan. Believes that trust needs to be re-established now, and that the process for the 2005-06 fiscal year budgets needs to be more open.
Mike Berolini, Bridgewater Advisory Board. Agreed with statements of Mr. Demos.
Mark Oliari, Bridgewater-Raynham School Committee. Raised concerns over the costs for opening up a new facility. Also expressed concern that the financial review for these costs is by Superintendent Review - thereby meaning that the meetings are closed to the public. Mentioned estimated increased Bridgewater costs of at least $1M for new facility, unless the town wishes to see a classroom with empty adjoining classrooms.
Allan Chiocca, Chair Bridgewater Board of Selectmen. Stated that this money ($520k) was the best that could be done under the circumstances. Made statements to counter comments heard about this being found money. Said that just like a family at the end of the month can look at its checking account and realize they have money left over, this is all that has happened here with Bridgewater.
"Unknown Comic". After Allan immediately answered a question from the audience, and John Plouffe (Moderator) stated that sure, Mr. Chiocca could answer, someone asked if Allan wanted to be Moderator. This drew some laughter from the audience, and calmed the mood.
A few of my own comments now.
To Mike-squared (the two Mike's on Advisory Board), I completely agree. The process has been talked about in the past, and I wish the two of you well in your efforts to better review the finances of the town - to plan and be proactive in the financial process.
To Mark, glad that you brought this up again. This point was brought up before the 2003 vote on the high school, but was downplayed and minimized by the official proponents back then (many no longer involved in the project). Scituate built a new school that sat dormant for a year while trying to work out costs and an agreement on how to open the school. (Mr Granatino, the new B-R High Principal, can probably provide quite a bit more info on this, as he is from that area.)
To Allan, I am not sure how many families in Bridgewater look at their bank statement at the end of the month and discover a balance over one million dollars. You may find that others in the community would like to be 'adopted' into your family! Seriously though, as Tom Cruise said "Show me the money". So, open up the information; this would begin the process of re-establishing trust.
To 635 residents, Kudo's for coming out to town meeting. A turnout of about 5% of the registered voters is great for a town meeting.
