To the editor:

I read Tiverton Town Council member Donna Cook’s letter to the editor asserting that Tiverton is devolving into what she describes as “mob rule.”  The actions of the TTA-led Town Council have indeed resulted in increased interest and participation by voters in Tiverton.  Many new folks are attending meetings and participating in the workings of our town government democratic process for the first time ever.  They come from various backgrounds and political affiliations, and they all see what that this group is doing to push its will on Tiverton. 

Mrs. Cook, overwhelmingly critical throughout her letter of a few of her fellow councilors, also turned her attention and ire on me.  Nearly two months before her letter submission, and after several back door attempts to circumvent the School Committee’s role in the budget process by attempting to negotiate directly with our superintendent, Town Council Vice President Justin Katz inserted what he felt was an appropriate budget for the schools as part of his Town Council budget submission. 

Despite my pleas to remove the number, as it is neither his nor the council’s role to budget for the schools, the majority members of the council went right ahead and accepted his number, voted on the budget and passed it along to the Budget Committee.  This amount, significantly less than what the School Committee ultimately requested, found its way into the Budget Committee’s review process, and actually lead to some confusion on the part of that body.  To his credit, former Budget Committee Chair Jeff Caron instructed the Budget Committee to disregard Mr. Katz’s number.

With all due respect to Mrs. Cook, I sat patiently for over three hours as the council debated each and every line item in Mr. Katz’s budget.  When it came time for the final number, yes, I got up and asked why they were including Mr. Katz’s school number, knowing that it was in no way his role to craft or submit one to the voters through the Town Council.  Was I passionate with my argument?  Yes!  Did I use profanity or make any threats?  Absolutely not.  As a member of the School Committee I consider it my duty to passionately advocate for our students. These children have no voice in this process, but I do, and I will stand up for their needs and the needs of our public schools.  Each and every time.

Diane Farnworth

Vice Chairwoman, Tiverton School Committee