LETTER: Vote on the Referendum, One Way or Another

Enfield is willing to invest in education. The 2012 referendum to renovate/expand EHS passed by a 65-35% margin. The chatter for Tuesday’s JFK Middle School referendum reflects the margin will be a lot closer. What is different this time?

There are valid arguments on both sides. Almost all agree JFK is in terrible condition and over-crowded. Those in favor express it is worth the investment for our students, the building is the preferred layout for a middle school, it’s necessary to attract families/businesses to Enfield, it will raise our property values and Enfield’s cost would be about the same whether we just make required repairs/upgrades to JFK or we take the funds allocated by the state and end up with an expanded, like new and state of the art school.

Those against express concern JFK was allowed to fall into a state of such disrepair, Enfield has no long term plan and bonds money for buildings then closes them, there may be more economical options that were not explored, our grammar schools may need environmental remediation first, and neither the residents, town nor state can afford this now.

I am not advocating whether to vote for or against the referendum. The only opinions I offer are if the referendum passes, it is what the majority of Enfield residents (that voted) want. Let’s support it. If it fails, Enfield shouldn’t immediately put forth a referendum just for required repairs/upgrades on JFK (which would cost the town about same as our share of the original referendum). I hear residents asking for a long term plan including a study of empty town buildings, educational buildings’ condition/capacity and environmental health/safety conditions, maintenance plans and contingency plans for future enrollment increases/decreases.

The best way to have your opinion heard is to vote.

Wendy Osada
Enfield

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