The town budget vote on May 6 failed by 160 votes. What stronger message than that to show how much each and every vote counts. I admit I almost didn’t make it to the polls. Like many of you, my day was busy: working, shuttling the kids to activities, running errands, etc. When I remembered, I did have the fleeting thought that not voting wouldn’t really make a difference. However, while inconvenient, I did get there.

By the time this letter is published, the budget will be in the hands of the Legislative Council which will determine where the cuts will be. The majority of them very likely will come from the education budget. This could mean larger class sizes, cuts in athletic and enrichment programs, personnel shortages, busing changes, and reductions in services for our children.

If you voted –– great job! But if you didn’t vote –– what got in your way? If you forgot or your day was too crazy, or you were too tired, or it was inconvenient to get there –– that’s no excuse. And, I hope you don’t go whining to the school administration when your kids are affected by whatever cuts come our way.

Simply stated, your vote counts. It is your right and civic responsibility to cast your ballot and be heard. It is the one tangible way to have a say in the matters that affect you most. And it takes less than five minutes to do –– you can even bring your kids and help them see democracy in action.

For this year, what’s done is done. One thing you can still do is attend the Town Meeting (when the date is set) where a vote will be taken town meeting style for the budget that comes out of the Legislative Council meeting this week. 

For next year, when the time comes to vote on the town budget, I hope you do.

Joeline Wruck

6 Fairchild Drive, Newtown                                            May 7, 2003