1990-03-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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IPA vow AB Hoc OVERRIDE GROUP Peter Enright, speaking for the Ad Hoc override Group stated that the most important issue facing the Town this year will be to deceive whether to keep the services which makes Lexington the Town it is. Mr. Enright's Group is reluctant to see any of the school or Town services cut and saw an override of Proposition 2 1/2 as the only way to preserve them. He outlined the provisions under Proposition 2 1/2 which allows for overrides and felt that the Townspeople would support such a movement. He said that the Ad Hoc override Group would work hard to ensure the success of an override, if the Selectmen vote to allow the question to come before the voters. Mr. Enright expressed the hope of his group that the Selectmen would continue to work with the School committee toward consensus on budget matters and promised to provide support if an override is placed on the ballot. Jacqueline Weinstock, League of Women Voters, also asked that the voters be given the opportunity to decide on override. Fred Rosenberg, TMMA Executive Committee, encouraged the Board to come to decisions on its positions on financial issues quickly so as to clari fy procedures as much as possible for Town Meeting Members. Judy Alexander and Bea McDonald, Realtors, referred to the services and q uality it y of life offered in Lexington as reasons for sales of homes and urged that an override be implemented to allow continuance of those services. Elaine Engelberg, High School Teacher, noted the long range effects of low the excellence of the school system on the lives of students and was in favor of letting voters decide on an override. Cindy Blumsack, President of Lexington citizens for Quality Education, offered the services of her group not as advocates but as resource persons on the override issue. Roland Greeley read a statement in which he urged the Board to assume leadership on the override matters and allow voters to decide on which route they wished to follows. Richard Schaye noted the pride of residents in the uniqueness of the Town and advocated a modest override to keep it, despite the critical financial situation. Mr. Marshall said he felt that the Board is moving in the right direction. He added that if an override is put before the voters, a great deal of help would be needed from supporters if it was to pass. Jacqueline Ward said she has been getting calls from many citizens with limited incomes, expressing their fears that they may not be able to continue to live in Lexington if an override is passed. Mary Shunney suggested that the Selectmen be objective about the impact of working within available funds and to take into consideration the effect of override costs on low income residents. She noted the special interests of those who had spoken in favor of an override. Mr. Eddison thanked those in attendance for sharing their views on the _ override issue. He referred to the successful meeting on March 3rd with the School and Finance Committees and hoped that the spirit of cooperation evident at that time would be continued. '�