To the editor:
As was famously said by the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, "We are all entitled to our own opinions but we are not entitled to our own facts." The July 7 article in The Salem News by "Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility" misstated several facts.
Case in point. The article stated, "We now know that Mayor Scanlon is doggedly determined to burden us with the cost of an artificial turf field at the high school. Is it any wonder that taxpayers are angry?"
In fact, the efforts to build an artificial turf field would use a combination of grant money and private donations. This question was clearly asked at a Council Meeting on BevCam TV by Councilor Martin and clearly answered by me, Bill Scanlon. The effort to build the field may or may not succeed because we may not receive the grant, but in no event will City funds be used.
Case in point. The article states, "Those elected to represent us refused to force participation in the GIC (the state health insurance plan for city employees...)." The City met multiple times with the Insurance Advisory Commission, which considers such matters and is made up of presidents of city unions along with city officials. Under the law, the City has no legal right to force GIC on union members. The union presidents declined to join. We have, however, in recent years been able to change employee percentage contribution to health care plans from 10 percent to 20 percent, with the City paying the balance. And, as of July 1, 2010, doctor's office visit co-pays have risen to $15 whereas only a year ago they were $5. Clearly; however, there is more to be done to control costs and much effort is being expended in that direction.
Readers may find the following informative. The loss in revenues collected by the state of Massachusetts has led to massive reductions in local aid to cities and towns. Beverly now receives $2,500,000 less in local aid annually than it did only three years ago. The trash fee has reduced the demand for money from the General Fund to pay for trash services and allowed us to redirect these funds to provide other essential services. Rest assured that every penny collected by the trash fee has been and will be used to cover trash costs.
No one in Beverly wants to see our taxes increase, but we all want to have essential services provided. The future will be a continuing challenge. We know now that the school district, which has received nearly $1 million in stimulus funds for fiscal year 2010 and again for fiscal year 2011 will not receive those funds in fiscal year 2012, a year from now.
Good ideas for better government may come from many sources and they are all welcome. We all need, however, to have our opinions grounded in correct facts in order to generate productive discussion.
William F. Scanlon Jr.
Mayor of Beverly
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