Thank you, Brookline!
The voters, including many new voters, chose to invest in Brookline in difficult economic times by approving the Proposition 2-1/2 override ballot question on May 6. Thanks especially to all the school and precinct volunteers who educated themselves and others about the issues, and about the importance of the two-part ballot question.
Approval of the $6.2 million override is a tribute to the professionalism and thoroughness of the Override Study Committee, whose report set the tone and provided the most valuable information for the campaign. We appreciate the expertise and wisdom that went into creating a report that clearly defined the issues and laid out the fiscal challenges facing the town. The serious work of using these funds wisely and managing the on-going structural deficit starts immediately. Both the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee are already committed to following the recommendations for long-term sustainability.
We are pleased to be able to keep valued employees. Current levels of police and fire protection will be in place. Our parks, streets and sidewalks will be properly maintained and repaired. Our teachers will be able to make use of the flexibility and educational possibilities provided by the longer school day. All our students will have the opportunity to learn foreign languages starting in Kindergarten. And, Brookline schools will continue their reputation for outstanding educational leadership and excellence. We are all so fortunate to be part of this extraordinary community.
Betsy DeWitt and Judy Meyers
Yes for Brookline, co-chairs
Yes for Brookline - Alan Morse, Treasurer- 160 Aspinwall Avenue - Brookline, MA