To the editor:
It's ironic that the lobbying group advocating for yet another Proposition 21/2 override for our school budget uses SOS (Support our Schools) as their battle cry to action.
When I think of SOS, an image of a sinking ship comes to mind. In fact, all of us who live in Hamilton need to realize that, together, we are on a sinking ship — namely a town that is headed for disaster.
I understand the concerns of parents who want their children to get the best education. I also recognize that we are facing a challenging economy with huge hikes in fuel oil, gasoline, even food. Whether you are part of Hamilton's first-class, mid-deck, or steerage, we are all in the same boat when you realize that there is a limit to how much we can increase real-estate taxes before our homes lose even more value.
Captain McGrath (oops, Superintendent) and her crew have succeeded in plowing through icebergs (overrides) for years now. They have become emboldened by their success, calling a $400 increase in the average homeowner's taxes "just a cup of coffee."
Calling the override "a cup of coffee" trivializes the truth. This is no cup of coffee; it is a huge iceberg directly ahead.
The passage of an override changes the Hamilton property tax base forever. Each override amount is added to the following year's base budget. As in past years, this $400 payment (if passed) will be added each year to the tax burden.
I was taught math in school, and $400 this year and next and next starts adding up to "real" money. We have a reputation as a great town with good schools. We may soon gain a new one for the highest tax base in the region.
For our SOS friends: Residents who oppose yet another override do not want terrible schools, just balance, for all of our citizens, and a town budget that can realistically be managed with our projected income without an override. The big weight of ice sinking our ship is not due to a leaking school roof nor special education mandates, it is lack of money AND a huge town payroll.
Our ship (town) is already taking on water from the cumulative effects of overrides. We need to insist that the captain and town officials steer our ship onto a new course. We can't wait until next year or the year after. With a $2-million override this year, what will the captain ask for next year, $10 million?
When you see the SOS signs around town please think of our town as a sinking ship. Vote "No" on the overrides. Remember, it is difficult to bail water at the bottom of the ocean.
ROBERT F. SICA
Hamilton
