By Paul Leighton and Cate Lecuyer
BEVERLY — Some say yes. Some say no. But many of the city's politicians aren't saying either way how they will vote in Tuesday's historic override election.
And that's a problem, said Ward 1 School Committee representative David Manzi, who says he will vote no on June 3.
"I really think we're elected to take positions," he said. "There are too many elected officials trying to walk the line, and that's the reason nothing gets done."
Of the 17 elected officials polled by The Salem News yesterday, nine said they are taking no public position on the override or are undecided. Many of them, including Mayor Bill Scanlon, say it is up to the voters to decide if they want to raise their own property taxes to fund the schools.
"I have been totally neutral on the override, and I remain so," Scanlon said. "I think that's the proper role for me to play."
Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday to vote on a $2.5 million Proposition 21/2 override to help fund the city's school system. It's the first override election in the city since the tax-limiting measure was adopted in 1981.
The City Council voted unanimously in April to authorize a special override election after supporters said they had gathered more than 2,600 signatures. An anti-override group has also formed and has been holding "Vote No" signs at busy intersections on weekends.
Only two of the nine city councilors gave definite answers when asked how they plan to vote — Pat Grimes said she will vote yes, while John Burke said he will vote no.
The School Committee was more definitive, with four members answering "yes" and one saying "no." Jim Latter was the only School Committee member who wouldn't take a position.
Ward 6 Councilor Maria Decker said cities and towns everywhere have been burdened by unfunded state and federal mandates, and it's time for Beverly to take some local control.
"We really need more revenue, and this is a way to get it," she said. "It's time for us to rise to the occasion and pass the override."
Mary Grant, the city's state representative, also came out in support of the override.
"I tend to be pretty supportive of educational issues, always have been, so it's a hard one for me to say no to," Grant said.
Grimes, a councilor-at-large, said the override will buy the city another year to find a solution to the school budget problems. If the override fails, McKeown School is scheduled to close, and the city's elementary school students will be spread among the five remaining schools for the school year starting in September.
"The plan is not in the best interest of the children of the city," Grimes said. "What the override does is give us some time to make some long-range plans."
Burke, the Ward 3 councilor, said he will vote against the override because many people cannot afford to pay higher taxes. Property taxes would permanently go up $187 more per year for the owner of an average-priced home in the city, which is about $457,000.
"I know how hard times are for many people that I represent because I hear about it every day," Burke said. "I'm sensitive to that, and I know I represent them."
But most councilors said they won't disclose how they will vote or are undecided.
City Council President Tim Flaherty said the council has done its job by voting to put the question on the ballot.
"The council has been careful not to get involved with the 'yes' camp or the 'no' camp," he said. "Let the people decide which way they want to go, and we will not influence the process."
Ward 2 Councilor Wes Slate said he still hasn't made up his mind about the override.
"I don't see any other way we can generate additional revenue without it," he said. "The effect if it fails is going to be very dramatic. But like a lot of people, I'm trying to keep an open mind and listen to both sides."
How will they vote?
Mayor Bill Scanlon No public position
State Rep. Mary Grant Yes
City Council
John Burke No
Bill Coughlin No public position
Judith Cronin No public position
Tim Flaherty No public position
Patricia Grimes Yes
Kevin Hobin No public position
Don Martin No public position
Wes Slate Undecided
Maureen Troubetaris Undecided
School Committee
Annemarie Cesa Yes
Maria Decker Yes
Karen Fogarty Yes
James Latter No public position
David Manzi No
Paul Manzo Yes
