To the Editor:
Tiverton was noted as one of only seven communities in the entire state to see population growth between 2004 and 2013. Tiverton's Fort Barton School was one of only three schools in Rhode Island to be recognized by the US DOE's National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. New restaurants opened, new stores moved into town, and beautiful beachfront at Grinnell’s was repurchased at NO cost to the town, opening up waterfront access to our community. We also celebrated side by side in our second town-wide festival.
So why are you reading all these recent letters about how “horrible” Tiverton is? Because it is budget season. And Tiverton’s resident haters need to convince you of how awful our town is and that they, and only they, can fix it by slashing the budget and destroying our town services.
The 11-member elected budget committee worked for the past four months to craft a budget against the biggest challenge any committee could face – a $600,000 shortfall before we even picked up a pen. The town robbed Peter to pay Paul last year by raiding town reserves. But with hard work and lots of cuts and discussion, the town, school and budget committee came up with a plan that is well below the state cap.
But here comes “Budget #2.” Once again, it raids our general funds and cuts critical items like a town planner. It also strips the ENTIRE requested local increase from the school department -- an increase that would have finally funded all-day kindergarten in Tiverton (only six towns do not provide this vital start for our youngest residents).
Tiverton is growing because of good schools, community spirit and its ideal setting. We can't let a few vocal and emotional outsiders tear down our community and its future. We need you to vote on May 16th. Voting takes place from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tiverton High School. Yes on BUDGET #1.
Joshua Mello
Deborah Janick
Tiverton Budget Committee Members
Deborah Janick
Tiverton Budget Committee Members
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