The Override: If not now, when?

My name is Vanessa Alvarado and I’m a member of the Finance Committee and Town Meeting. Today I write to you as a resident, a parent, a tax payer and most importantly, a concerned member of this community.

Over the course of the last two months, I have attended 12 meetings and over 40 hours of budget discussions. I have heard from our Town Manager, Superintendent, principals and teachers, police and fire chiefs, department heads, parents, seniors and children. All with the same message, we need not just any override, but one that will address our dire financial situation.

There has been much discussion regarding a “passable override.” I believe a passable override is one that: 1) meets the core needs of our town government and schools, 2) incorporates enough sustainability to last at least three years, and 3) receives the full backing and active support of the Select Board and School Committee.

It's fair to say that a number that is too high will fail and result in additional painful cuts felt town-wide. Just as important, however, are the consequences of a number that is too low. An insufficient number will not address the fundamental needs of our town or schools. The result is Reading falling further behind in our offered services and necessitate another override in two years.

If the Select Board members take their responsibilities to our town seriously, they will vote to put a $4.7M override on the ballot. They will then lend their full support to the effort; they will use the strength of their voices as elected leaders to passionately advocate for the override.

Over the next two months, I will proudly knock on doors, send emails, make calls and host a lawn sign. At every opportunity, be it at the playground, at the bank, at coffees or at local events, I will engage the residents of Reading and encourage them to vote Yes on April 3rd.

To me, leadership means doing the right thing and persuading others to do the same. I hope our Select Board is up to the challenge.

Vanessa Alvarado
Concerned Citizen
Candidate for Select Board
Finance Committee Member
Town Meeting Member