Referendum Rally Draws Supporters and Protesters

The horns could nearly be heard clear across town and so could the shouts of "Support Our Schools."

It was hard not to notice the highly publicized referendum rally held Tuesday at the intersection of Turnpike Avenue and East Main Road, just across from Clement's Market.

The independent group Save Our Schools (SOS), led by founder David Croston, is seeking support for a referendum.

And, it was clear on Tuesday with more than 40 supporters showing up to wave at motorists, many of them Portsmouth students, they have a strong showing of support already.

"We still have a long way to go," said Croston, who is running for a seat on the School Committee this election year.

Croston and the SOS group have already collected 550 names of registered voters. They will need another 850 signatures before the deadline on Aug. 11.

"The kids are going to be the ones suffering," said SOS supporter and math teacher Fabienne Riesen, who held up a sign as cars drove by and honked.

"When the Council can't decide, let the people," said Town Councilor Dennis Canario, who is running for re-election. "This is all about the people."

Across the street, in front of Clement's Market, a family of three stood holding signs in opposition to the referendum.

"They (SOS) have a right to ask for more money, but my wife, myself and our grandson have the right to stand out here and say it's not the money," said Joe Lorenz. "No matter how much money you have, it doesn't matter unless you have good parents and teachers."

Joining Lorenz in protest was his wife, Terry, a kindergarten teacher for 30 years, and their grandson, 20-year-old Greg Lorenz.

Both Terry and Joe Lorenz have been members of the Portsmouth Concerned Citizens group.

The protest turned ugly at one point when a passing motorist pointed at Greg Lorenz and shouted a vulgar statement.

The young Portsmouth resident just shrugged and said, "Just because you're not asking for funding doesn't mean you're for less standards."

However, a majority of horns honked Tuesday and waves were directed at the SOS rally back across the street.

On July 29, the SOS group submitted an official request for a referendum, asking for an additional $765,301 for the Portsmouth schools.

According to SOS, the amount represents a total school budget request of $36,293,021 or a 1.5 percent increase from fiscal year 2010.

If successful, according to SOS organizers, the referendum would increase taxes $0.204 per thousand or $71.44 annually for a home valued at $350,000.
"We need to stand up for Portsmouth education," said Croston. "Our system has delivered the most efficient system for the dollar in all of Rhode Island. It is easy in these difficult times to blame the institution, but it is honestly misplaced. Education is a fundamental right and what drove many of us to Portsmouth."

This past weekend, Croston and a team of supporters went door to door, visited the popular Sandy Point Beach and Glen Farm to gather the necessary signatures.

They will continue collecting names on Thursday and Friday from 6 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. This signature drive will be held at the Portsmouth High School on Education Lane. 

Local sports teams and booster clubs are expected to volunteer at the signature drive.

While SOS must acquire 1,400 signatures from registered voters, the Canvassing Authority must also validate those names.

If the referendum were approved, the town would begin planning for a special election.

For more information about the drive, referendum or SOS, please visit http://sosportsmouth.blogspot.com.