To the editor:
Six weeks before the town elections in Hamilton and Wenham, Jim Kent, a Hamilton resident, wrote a letter to the editor, asking for citizen participation in a group aimed at defeating the $1.8 million school funding override.
A group got together and decided to call themselves "Enough is Enough" — a battle cry to stop the budget-busting pending override. It was an exciting six weeks, with members walking the streets, talking to neighbors, making signs, helping elders with absentee ballots, writing letters to the editor and distributing fliers.
In a close election, the override was passed, in Hamilton by only 35 votes. Even with the defeat of our objective, EIE believes that the election result was a tremendous accomplishment, considering the short time frame of the group effort. Most importantly, the group became cohesive and fast friends.
More than 100 people contributed in some way. Even after the election, when one would think that everyone would disband, there have been three meetings. EIE is sponsoring a barbecue get-together for new friends to relax after a hectic spring.
Enough is Enough has reorganized itself as a political action committee. Jim Kent, our founder, is now co-chair, along with this writer. The group's leadership includes Elizabeth Dunbar as secretary and Ed Howard as treasurer. Several key committees have been started with many volunteers. Over the summer, the committees will elect a chairperson and get to work.
Enough is Enough has established the following purpose statement:
EIE is a grassroots organization of concerned citizens from Hamilton and Wenham. Our goal is to ensure that town government and schools operate for the benefit of all citizens in a fiscally responsible and cost-effective manner. To that end, our group is opposed to the passage of all Proposition 21/2 overrides for operating expenses.
Property tax overrides place undue stress on the families of our towns and result in reduced property values. EIE will work with government officials and community leaders to find cost-saving solutions to meet our goal. We are open to ideas from all of our fellow citizens, but will not join together or advocate with citizens' groups that promote the passage of overrides.
The group will have a Web site in operation before September. In the meantime, if you would like to join EIE, please e-mail BobShirley@hotmail.com.
ROBERT F. SICA
South Hamilton
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