The transparency that we all hope will explain the rising costs, rising
property taxes is lost in the complex explanation of the funding
system. It is too easy to baffle those in attendance with a slick
PowerPoint presentation showing how we just couldn't avoid spending
even more this year for less. I believe, to some degree, that apathy,
frustration and helpless-to-fight city hall keeps people away as well.
Who wants to be seen voting against the school budget by raising their
hand in opposition?
So this may be the best time to get more people involved in the
democratic process by allowing more to participate, especially those
who still have jobs and cannot attend this important vote.
If Town Meeting is democracy in action, we should be willing to provide
a means for every resident to participate, even those unable to attend
Town Meeting or maybe too shy to speak out and raise their hand. Even a
paper ballot in lieu of a show of hands would be better.
If the budget is reasonable and explained well in the informational
meeting preceding a vote by Australian ballot then it will pass, but
more residents will feel they have had a say in the process.
So it will be encouraging to see more attendance at this year's
Fayston, Warren and Waitsfield annual school budget meetings. Let's
have enough attendance to at least force a paper ballot.
Jim Parker
Warren
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