Survey Finalized, Now It's Residents Turn To Answer Questions

The commas have been added, words deleted, and oh ya, you can't "circle" the right answer in an on-line survey. With the completion of Tuesday night's Board of Selectmen meeting, the much-discussed override survey will be ready for Reading residents soon, hopefully before Aug. 1.

The survey comes after Reading residents voted down the October 2016 override by a margin of 59 percent no to 41 percent yes. The survey begins with an explanation. "The BOS is considering placing another operational override question before the voters at the annual Town Election in April 2018. To help guide their deliberations, the Selectmen are asking for your assistance by completing the following survey."

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It will be anonymous and there will be space provided to where you can explain your answer or provide other thoughts. The survey will be available on the town's website. Hard copies will be available at the library and Senior Center. The board hopes to have the results back and finalized by Oct. 1, in time for the Oct. 11 Financial Forum.

Possibly the most important answer will come from question 2b. If you voted no please select all that apply:

1. The town (municipal budget) did not justify the need for an override and explain where the funds would be used.

2. The schools did not justify the need for an override and explain where the funds would be used.

3. The override request was simply too large.

4. I'm having financial hardship and cannot afford to spend more.

5. I am retired and on a fixed income

6. I typically vote against overrides.

7. Other (please explain).

There are 13 questions total, but depending on how you voted in 2016, you'll answer less than that. As board member Barry Berman said, "this is a first step."

Prior to the survey discussion, Town Manager Bob LeLacheur announced that on Oct. 4 the town will hold an Economic Development Forum at the library. The purpose of the forum is to reach two audiences, Reading residents and developers. The town will discuss current projects in the works like the conversion of the post office and the goal is to be both educational and informational. "Developers are an important audience here," said LeLacheur.

And speaking of surveys, Reading residents are also being asked for the opinions on Comcast and what you'd like in your cable system. The survey is one of the requirements for the cable TV contract renewal process. To make your feelings known, go to surveymonkey.com/r/ReadingMa-Survey.