Speaking of Politics

I’m amazed at what change two weeks brings. I have buds on my crabapple tree and mud on my porch. Flowers, baseball and budgets; that’s spring in New England.

While walking my dog early in the morning I hear my neighborhood come alive. What begins with soft light quickly becomes a cacophony of birdsong, doors slamming, cars starting, and feet running to catch the bus. The same could be said for Tewksbury this spring, particularly in the area of the School Department budget. The town is alive with budget drama, and I’m sure more is on the way.

The U:25 group, by gathering 250 signatures in a mere three hours to put a placeholder article on the warrant, started a movement that over the course of the last two weeks received the support of the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen and culminated in selectmen putting the Proposition 2 ½ override article on a special election ballot slated for June 10.

Selectmen marveled and the initiative shown by U:25 and supporters and noted that its been longer than any of them can remember since an citizen sponsored article made it to the ballot. An organized group coming before the town is powerful, especially one with as much traction as U:25. Traction equals voters.

Also included on that ballot is a debt exemption for $647,000 to buy new furniture and technology for the high school. A debt exemption represents a one time increase rather than a permanent property tax hike, which is why combining the two articles is out of the question. Last year this measure lost by only eight heartbreaking votes.

Students need a place to sit, people! They need a place to eat too. With too few tables and chairs in the cafeteria, a slew of unserviceable desks in classrooms, and outdated, often broken computers we’re embarrassing ourselves by what we’re providing these kids.

And, speaking of embarrassment, in the April 1 election only 14% of the town’s registered voters bothered to show up. Why register if you aren’t going to vote? With only 14% of the eligible voters actually voting, that means that for a ballot question like the Community Preservation Act which won with a vote of 1242 to 1118, 6.9 % of the town decided that issue. Seven percent! Those of you pleased with the seven percent of us that vote deciding your fate, by all means, stay home. But, those residents that want a say in how things are run, please, come and vote.

I take my children to the voting booth with me. I show them how it’s done and explain to them that voting is not only a right we have a citizens in a free republic, but a responsibility as well. We are responsible to our neighbors, children and parents for the consequences of our votes or lack thereof. Folks discouraged with voting need only remember last year’s article that lost by eight votes. Every vote counts, especially at Town Meeting, May 1, where residents pin on a ribbon and stand up to be counted.

U:25 already proved that citizen initiatives can make it to the ballot. The question remains, will citizens follow it up with a vote?