Dear Editor:
I read your dismal article on the future of the town budget and saw the outrageous intention to reclassify the DPW debt for an overlarge, excessive project from the start. Obviously, the solution has to start with the schools, which have allowed their budgets to exceed the rate of inflation forever. And on top of all this, water rates are going to jump?
First, no more new capital projects before 2040. Second, set the bar for special education at what is legally mandated Third, stop worrying about a AAA rating, particularly if no more borrowing for capital projects. Fourth, stop educating students of non-Wayland residents, school faculty and perhaps METCO. Fifth, extend pension payoff deadline.
This is a start.
Routine budget overrides? You’re talking about doubling Wayland taxes in five years. What do you mean by “mixed character” compared to Weston and Wellesley? Are you talking about people, not money? Rich people live in Weston and Wellesley and have twice as high property values.
For the 25 years that I have lived here, Wayland has thrown away vast sums rather than “risk” losing “first-class services.” We don’t even have first-class services now. Inbred blindness to economic reality and responsible spending.
Steve Glovsky
Shaw Drive