Response to Peter Morgan’s “Thank You, Salem Voters”

I too would like to thank everyone who voted March 12^th.  I also like the fact that there were real choices on the ballot instead of an all or nothing vote.  It showed that the voters are able to set priorities. 

The outcome also showed the way to present issues in the future.  When the town came up with all or nothing grandiose plans for road improvements, they failed. The same has been true of the school district.  If a proposal is too big people gag on it no matter how much they would like to swallow it.

Let this ballot be a lesson in another respect.  If the school district presents a budget that the voters will accept, it doesn’t have to pad the default budget in SB2.  The voters voted for the town budget by wide margin even though the default budget was $800K less.  Many voters resent the shenanigans with the default budget.  Padding the default budget shows contempt for the voters in my mind. 

If the school board cannot make a case for its budget, the voters should have the ability to vote for an amount that represents what the schools need to run.  A default amount greater than what the school district is requesting in its budget is an insult to the voters.  It makes no sense at all.

By the way I got more votes than you did Peter.  That surprised the heck out of me.

Anyone who would like to comment on Peter’s Blog may use my blog.