No Question, 'Yes For Reading' Is Off and Running

There were bleak numbers, dire predictions, and stories from teachers that make you wonder how Reading schools have such a great reputation. But in the end, the kickoff event for "Yes For Reading" showcased the passion that supporters hope turns into success at the expected April 3 override.

Eight speakers at the Unitarian Church Wednesday night detailed in different ways why Reading needs an override. Proposition 2 1/2 was public enemy No. 1, followed by rising costs that far exceed the amount Reading brings in. The challenge for the organizers was made clear by John Arena, chairman of the Board of Selectmen. "Most of these we need to reach are not here tonight," said Arena. "Nearly 3 in 5 voters last October said no."

In many ways the disturbing budget numbers thrown around Wednesday pail in comparison to this one, 4,095. That's the number of residents who voted no Oct. 18. Want another? Only 37 percent of Reading voters bothered to turn out. Maybe the "Yes For Reading" folks can change a few of those no votes. But the more important question is how to get more residents to vote. Last October only 15 percent of registered voters under 40-years-old voted according to "Yes For Reading" co-chair Erin Gaffen. Overall, despite having so much at stake, the turnout of voters with children in school was surprisingly low.

"We learned that there are certain populations that are going to be against us no matter what, and we're not trying to change everybody's vote," said Gaffen. "This override is so different, being in April and after the budget cycle. Everyone is going to have exactly what they need to make an informed decision. They're going to know exactly what the budget is based on. They're going to know what an override will add back in or what the budget will look like if they vote no. We couldn't give something that specific last time because it was a special election in October. I do think a lot of people are looking for transparency and they're going to get it this time."

Gaffen said their focus is on educating voters. An informed, educated voter is more likely to support an override. As Gaffen's co-chair Michele Sanphy said, "Yes For Reading" promises to keep the factual discussion alive."

Another focus for the group is manpower and getting more boots on the ground.

"We didn't have enough volunteers last time. We had a core group of about 10 of us who did the lion's share of that campaign," said Gaffen. "We had a lot of trouble getting people to do the footwork. So we've started earlier and we're really trying to build a much bigger volunteer network. Our goal is to go into April 3 with ideally 4,000 people telling us ya, I'm going to vote and I'm going to vote yes."

In addition to Gaffen, Sanphy, and Arena, the audience of approximately 100 heard from Finance Committee chairman Peter Lydecker, School Committee chairman Chuck Robinson, teachers Heidi Murray and Tara Herlihy, and high school director of guidance Lynna Williams.

Williams said the high school has taken the biggest cut of all the schools, losing eight positions the last two years. "[The kids] are the ones who feel the budget cuts every day," she said.

In the end, Board of Selectman vice-chair Barry Berman summed it up.

"This isn't the most important issue facing Reading. It's the only issue facing Reading."

It's safe to say most in attendance agreed.