To the editor:

Walter Mondale, in his now infamous 1984 U.S. Democrat primary debate, asked Gary Hart, his contender,  “Where’s the beef?” in obvious reference to Mr. Hart’s lack of plan specifics.  

So, in a similar metaphor, I would ask our local government officials, “Where’s the plan?” 

Surely if it’s to exceed the 4 percent tax cap, this would create an unnecessary, once in a lifetime divide between those who can and cannot afford/support such an increase. An 8-plus percent increase would not only pilfer hard-earned savings, but would crush the spirits of those less fortunate, leaving many hopeless about their financial futures as well as that of our beloved town. “Please, please, raise my taxes as high as state law permits,” said no one.

To promulgate such a scheme would only demonstrate a paucity of creativity by our paid school and town leadership, those whom we trust for their expertise in municipal and school financial matters. I suggest the path to an affordable, balanced solution begin with these, our handsomely compensated employees. The superintendent at $157,000 and town manager at $125,000 should lead the way and take a pay cut in the amount of the tax increase. Ditto their well-paid staff. And, if a solution is not forthcoming to this fiscal crisis, this will redound to the elected officials, as they too will collectively be seen as complicit in this debacle. Leadership has a price.

I contend that all parties, the school committee (first and foremost) since they’re at the fore of this year’s spending spree, the town council, taxpayers as well as school/municipal employees must have “skin in the game” during this extraordinary year. Here’s a possible plan. 

The annual town budget is approximately two-thirds the school department, and one-third municipal operations. Annual payments for the middle school bond stand at about $3 million per year. I suggest the school committee trim its operating budget by $1 million and the town by $.5 million. The treasurer, due to this rare occasion should recommend that at least $.5 million of the “rainy day fund” (which presently stands at $16 million) cover the balance of the bond payments for year one. School and municipal employees should agree to a one-year pay freeze. Then, let the taxpayers pony up a to a maximum of a 2.5 percent increase for other combined municipal and school needs. Fair enough and affordable for all.

And if the politicians and paid officials have no other plan than to simply raise taxes, they should consider resigning. Thomas Paine said, “Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.”

I understand now that many of our college students feel a need for ‘safe spaces’ to be designated on campus. I have a proposal for the town council. Would you be kind enough to create a “safe space” for those of us who feel over-taxed?

Scott Fuller

Barrington

Editor's note: An earlier version of this letter included an incorrect salary for the town manager.