To the editor:

I am fascinated by the letter Justin Katz, the VP of the Tiverton Taxpayers Association, wrote because the reasons voters should disregard their budget are conspicuous by their absence.
A plan: He mentions fighting for taxpayers the past five years and a plan will be developed next year. I would think over the past five years they could have put together a rough cut plan that could have been presented once they(TTA) took office. Let me know if you have heard this one … “wait ’til next year.”
They present a 5% cut as a positive. It really is a negative, as they took almost $500,000 away from the school department request. (Approximately a 5% cut). They obviously have complete disregard for paying it forward.
Also not mentioned is the fact that the municipal budget increased more than 4% vs last year under their plan, but don’t try that with the school budget.

Budget No.2, which is mine, puts a positive slant on the budget and an emphasis on things that will have long-term benefits for the town.

It maintains infrastructure funds (roads), gives the school department much of what is needed as well reducing individual household taxes.

Other benefits are the following:

• Money so the library can increase operating hours.       

• Increased the budget so a qualified planner can be attracted to our town. This combined with funds I added back for a part-time zoning officer will support long-term growth the right way.

• Increased solicitor budget so an attorney with a municipal background can be retained.

• Fire department overtime budget increased, so we can pay per diem firefighters until six permanent firefighters can be hired and trained.

• I increased funding to the Visiting Nurses and the East Bay Community Action that benefit many people in our community.

In summary, a vote for Budget No.2, will turn the tide and show Tiverton in a positive light.

Sanford Mantell

Tiverton