Support For MTM

To the Editor:

I am writing to show my support for our bus drivers, both those of MTM and our owner/operators. The recent bidding of MTM bus routes requires a decision by the Board of Education: will MTM continue its service or will the contract be awarded fully or in part to All-Star bus company. At the Board of Education meeting last night [April 7] the Board of Education members wisely chose to not award any contract without further research. To this end, in upcoming weeks there will be a public meeting to sort through the issues at hand. This will be posted on the town website. The contract may be awarded at the April 21 Board of Education meeting.

 On paper, it may appear that MTM and owner/operators are separate entities. However the reality is that these two are seamlessly intertwined as they provide stellar service to our community. MTM is named for its three owners, M (Michele Voight), T (Tom Adams) and M (Maria Adams). It is family-run in the truest sense of the word and employs long-time Newtown residents. It should also be seen as a training ground for those that aspire to be owner/operators. MTM does regular bus runs in the three tiers as well as transporting special education and private school students.

T (Tom Adams) swiftly repairs buses for MTM, owner/operators and the Board of Education. MTM and owner/operators cover each other’s routes as circumstances arise that prevent the bus run from continuing as usual. This is all seamless to us.

This is only a small glimpse into the world of our professional drivers. They know our children by name and keep them safe on our winding roads. They are part of the daily school experience for more than 5,000 students. They are reliable and prompt (much to the chagrin of our 14-year-old son). With great pride, this is their livelihood and they take it seriously.

Our drivers volunteer and provide shuttles for community events. They are one of the gems in our community. Our O/Os are taking a voluntary pay freeze next year. They pay personal property tax on each bus. We want our taxes to be tolerable so that we don’t push residents out of town; why put the MTM drivers out of a job?

I support awarding the entire contract to MTM. All-Star may promise a brand-new fleet of buses and some limited savings, but if it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is. We chose a lowest bid contractor in another department a few years back, only to have fees raised and money lost in the first year. These fees were passed on to parents and the district alike. We should learn from that experience.

Lastly, let’s get out on April 28 and support our budget. Only if it passes the first time can we hold off even deeper, more detrimental reductions. Please support our schools and town, and support MTM in the process.

One Town, One Voice, One Vote.

Sarah and Joe Beier

7 Yogananda Street, Sandy Hook                                    April 8, 2009