May 10, 2007
While reading the Boston Herald this morning, a paragraph from columnist Virgina Buckingham truly hit on a key point of political leadership. (From May 10, Boston Herald)
"And to the holier-than-thou among the media who are appalled by the very idea that politicians trade favors, perform quid pro quos and otherwise act within a two-party political system where the currency is mostly based on power and perception, I say come out from behind your microphone and keyboard and try it some time. You might be surprised at how hard it is to get anything done in government which by nature empowers special interests over the public interest, and how many good people there are who, nonetheless, continue to try."
There has been criticism by some over the B-R School Committee's position and statements at the Bridgewater Town Meeting on Monday, relative to a motion by the Advisory Board to take $300k from Fire and Police, providing the funds to B-R, and creating a better atmosphere for approval of an over-ride by virtue of greater shared pain. No financial decision should be made with the intent of forcing town voters into a vote on an over-ride budget.
The B-R School Committee has stood firmly behind its Budget #1 proposal since the start of the budget process. In working with the two towns (Discussion) , the Boards made their financial positions known (Negotiation). On April 24, the last Board - Bridgewater Selectmen - agreed to adjust their budget recommendation (Compromise) to fund B-R to our Budget #2 level. Further, all four Boards on that date were willing to bring forward a Contingency Budget to the Towns to cover the difference between B-R Budget #2 and Budget #1 (Progress).
While the School Board appreciated the last minute efforts by the Bridgewater Advisory Board to secure additional funds for B-R within the Town's Operating Budget, we did not believe that this would be in the best interests of the Schools in the long run. We had worked with many towards a compromise, and had given our word in the discussions. To grab for additional funding would not guarantee its success - B-R actually receiving the money as it was subject to Town Meeting vote. Further, it would have destroyed the work by so many in the process. The loss of trust in the B-R School Committee would haunt the District for many years to come as no Town Board would want to discuss and agree to anything with us for fear that we would once again change our minds at the last minute.
The matter is now left for the voters of Bridgewater and Raynham. Bridgewater has an over-ride ballot election scheduled for Saturday June 16, 7am-8pm. It is anticiapted that Raynham will call for an over-ride ballot election on Saturday June 30, 10am-8pm. Get out and vote. If you do not vote on the issue, you have no right to complain later about any subsequent decisions.
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Joseph Gillis Jr.
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