To the editor:

I support Budget # 2. I have served on the Tiverton Budget Committee for the last three years.

The committee’s Budget 1 fails to adequately support our town schools which have borne the brunt of level funding three out of four years. Sadly, Budget 1 would also cause cut-backs in library staff and hours of operation.

Budget #2 covers the primary costs required to maintain library services. Budget #2 also provides more funding in the town contingency fund. The committee’s Budget #1 doesn’t provide enough money to offset even a modest crisis. Budget #2 also balances important capital funding for roads and vehicles while giving tax relief to everyone!

During the course of this and every budget season I have been involved in, there has been a constant complaint that Tiverton overspends and overburdens the taxpayer. The fact is Tiverton constantly loses teachers, firefighters, and police staff to other RI towns that consistently pay better. In the long run this low ball tactic weakens our town agencies and ends up costing us more.

Budget #2 offers the greatest advantage. We can better serve our town by funding our community library, schools, fire and police better and we can give the taxpayers a break in their taxes.

It is true the Committee’s Budget #1 will give the taxpayer more money this year, but it also fails the town in the long run and what it doesn’t cover this year will cost us in years following.

Casino revenue is a windfall for the town of Tiverton. Budget #2 offers the ability to begin to fix the long running short falls while still helping every household’s bottom line.

Budget #1 is inadequate.

Budget #2 is a win-win that helps to rebuild our town making Tiverton great again.

Voite Budget #2 (and Tiverton Budget Committee Resolutions) Saturday May 18, at

Tiverton High School

Jennifer Jones Rashleigh

Tiverton