To the editor,

With all due respect, I am confused and concerned by Mr. Katz’s understanding of a “compromise” as indicated in his 5/8/19 letter. He indicated that Budget 1 was a compromise with the schools.

Mr. Katz seems to not be aware that a compromise is something that is acceptable to both parties. His budget is not acceptable to the superintendent and the school board because of the negative effects it would have on the school system. Therefore, Mr. Katz’s idea of a compromise misses the agreement of the other party.

This seems to be a concerning pattern for him and the TTA Town Council majority…

• They hired a solicitor that Mr. Katz is affiliated with who had no municipal experience without input or agreement of other council members and despite concerns from citizens.

• They also chose to pass over a beneficial candidate for the library board and appoint a fellow TTA member who admitted he didn’t want his tax dollars to go to the library. This appointment was without the agreement of other council members and despite the explicit concerns of the library board and many other concerned citizens. Town Council President and TTA member, Mr. Coulter, actually stated at that meeting that it was a “compromise” because they could have just appointed their own candidate and left the second open seat unfilled. How is it a compromise to threaten understaffing the board?

These types of misguided “compromises” need to stop for our town to move forward. A true compromise is agreed upon and beneficial to both sides, not just decided by one side.

Let’s turn the tide.

Citizens of Tiverton, please vote for Budget 2 which is a true example of compromise. It is lower than what the schools requested but within a level where cuts don’t have to be made and there can still be some investment in improvements.

Budget 2 isn’t just a compromise with the schools. Budget 2 lowers taxes and responsibly funds other important town services and infrastructure as well. This sounds like a win/win to me.

Vote Budget 2 and save money on your taxes while being a part of the wave of Tiverton citizens focused on true compromise and community.

It’s your voice and your vote. Don’t let someone else decide for you.Vote on May 18 at Tiverton High School or through absentee voting or emergency mail ballot.

For info on voting and the budgets, please go to : http://www.tiverton.ri.gov/departments/ftr.php

With concern and hope for our town,

Maureen Umehara

Tiverton