Melrose Resident Supports Override

I am writing to state my strong support for the override effort. I find the idea of further cuts to school and city services - clearly necessary if the override is not successful - to be very distressing. Over the last three years, I have seen the impact of limited resources on the elementary schools, only to worsen with our increasing population. I have heard some question whether the city has made its budget and services efficient enough, and whether enough financial information has been made available and communicated to the public. I have found there to be an abundance of information available, including clear and frequent communication via the Mayor's blog about the city's financial position and how the budget works. I am happy to see that the Superintendent will be presenting two budgets this month so that residents have a clear picture of what our schools will look like with or without an override. Our population growth, and accompanying pressure on our housing and school needs, is a regional trend and not due to any missteps by our city's government. It will not go away and must be responded to. I genuinely believe our elected officials and city staff have done their very best in this difficult situation and that the only option left is the override. I wholeheartedly support the effort and hope my friends and neighbors will too.

Danielle McKnight

Melrose, MA