At A Glance, Melrose Override Would Have Support

MELROSE, MA — On Wednesday, we asked what you would think about a hypothetical - and increasingly likely - override on the ballot this fall. Throughout the day, you made it clear: Let's get this thing passed.

Without the specifics of what an override might look like, only two out of the 33 comments on our Melrose Patch Facebook page as of Wednesday night opposed it. One reader who did oppose said it's a money management issue more than a revenue issue, and she didn't think anything would "improve except the head honchos’ salaries."

The rest of the comments supported a hypothetical override. While some were hesitant, one reader boiled it down like this: "Yes. If the city doesn’t find a way to increase revenue, services are going to need to be cut across the board, not just in the schools. An override is necessary to enable the city to keep providing the services we all need."

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The most popular Melrose Community Facebook group had even more to say. It's a private group so you can head over there to read the specifics, but the vast majority of the more than 300 comments were in favor of it. Unscientifically, there were 72 positive reactions/'likes' out of 75.

Some supporters pointed to Melrose being ranked No. 290 in the state for residential tax rate. The argument is with the schools in such dire need, the residents could stand to pony up a bit more.

Many who opposed seemed to still be open if more specifics became transparent - both before the vote and after such an override would be implemented to make sure the schools were the sole major beneficiary.

One emailer, who sounded disenchanted with the previous override attempt, echoed those sentiments:

"It's difficult to say I would support it because currently there are no details on what the funds would be spent on. If the mayor said it would be spent on maintaining staffing of teachers and "essential services", I would likely support it.

Regarding the last attempted override: There were practically no details in what the money would be used for, therefore, I did not support it. It really felt like [Mayor] Dolan was saying, "Just give me the extra money and trust that I will put it to good use.'"

Another emailer thought it was a no-brainer to fix this situation while Melrose has a chance:

"Mayor Infurna laid out our situation in pretty clear terms. While no one wants to pay more in taxes, it is clear that an override is long overdue. If we wait much longer, the situation will only get worse, and as the father of a child who will soon be in the school system in Melrose, that's not an option for me."

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