Division without Conquest

There was an excellent article in this week’s Longmeadow News (May 29, 2008) called “The Making of a Politician” by Alex Grant, a Longmeadow resident who once applied to fill a School Committee vacancy. The first insight in the piece, in my view, is that we are all prone to the habits of politicians; the same habits that often frustrate and annoy us as voters – pandering and conflict avoidance.

Grant describes his interview with the Select Board and School Committee when he was seeking to fill the vacancy on the School Committee left by Paul Santaniello’s election to the Select Board. The boards will be engaged in a similar process in just a few weeks as a result of Bobby Barkett’s election to the Select Board this year.

Grant skillfully describes the ease with which we all fall into the pattern of saying what our audience wants to hear (or at least not saying what they do not want to hear), and how office seekers do so by making only the most general of promises and claims, such as the improvement of “collaborative working relationships” or “getting more aid from the state” in the case of local elections. Heaven forbid we take positions that will generate criticism or cause “divisiveness.”

Grant’s insight here that our urge to please and avoid conflict may cause us to miss the big picture would have been enough to make me think, but he goes further by describing his own encounter with “[t]he School Committee member given to histrionics” who asked him at his interview if he was “comfortable with discomfort.” He describes his inability to resist the urge to equivocate on this question in the hopes of appeasing even this School Committee member whose approach to the job he dislikes and would not seek to emulate. In so doing, he has illuminated his point with artful precision. He has shown us both how easy it is to be unintentionally ineffectual and has acknowledged the dangers of learning this lesson too well. Pointing out that too much passion can lead to “histrionics” (which may do more harm than good) makes his firsthand account at once more subtle and more instructive.

I agree with Mr. Grant that we must redouble our efforts to clarify “larger truths” and worry less about losing support. I also agree that we must be as vigilant about not trampling the trees in our drive to illuminate the forest. The task for our would-be leaders is to speak hard truths without hardening their audience’s prejudices. As the now “former” member of the School Committee “given to histrionics,” I appreciate the opportunity Mr. Grant’s thoughts have given me to reflect on these fundamental aspects of political leadership and hope that this year’s candidates and voters take time to consider them as well. I intend to devote considerable energy to the study of the question: Can political leaders divide without seeking to conquer?

Questions and my ANSWERS- Comments invited.

BELOW ARE MY ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS THAT I POSED TO ALL THE CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE. MY RESPONSES ARE IN CAPITAL LETTERS.

Why would anyone in their right mind want to run for a seat on the Longmeadow School Committee? Why are you running?
SERVING ON THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE IS A CHALLENGE. THERE CAN BE A NUMBER OF FRUSTRATIONS. IT IS A FORM OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE STUDENTS NEED TO HAVE SOME ONE TO LOOK OUT FOR THEIR BEST INTERESTS. THAT IS WHY HORACE MANN ADVOCATED FOR THEIR CREATION.

Do you believe that the Longmeadow schools are clean and healthy buildings?
I DO NOT THINK THEY ARE BEING CLEANED ADEQUATELY. THIS ENTAILS HEALTH RISKS.

Is our custodial coverage adequate to the task?
NO. THERE HAVE BEEN CUTS IN THIS COVERAGE.

If not what do you propose to do about the problem?
I BELIEVE WE WILL NEED TO HIRE MORE CUSTODIANS.

Do you believe that the MCAS tests are worthwhile?
I DO NOT SUPPORT MASS TESTING. WE SHOULD SPEND MORE TIME DOING DISCUSSIONS, DEBATES, WORKING ON RESEARCH SKILLS, SPEAKING SKILLS, ESSAY WRITING AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS.

Do they promote "teaching to the test" rather than more worthwhile classroom interactions.
YES, THEY DO. I DON’T THINK SCHOOLS SHOULD BE ABOUT PREPARING STUDENTS TO TAKE TESTS. SCHOOLS SHOULD BE PREPARING STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE, ADULT LIFE AND THE WORLD OF WORK AND LEISURE. I THINK WE SHOULD TRY TO CULTIVATE DEMOCRACY AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS. MOST STUDENTS FORGET WHAT WAS ON A TEST A FEW DAYS AFTER TAKING IT. EDUCATION IS NOT THE SAME THING AS INDOCTRINATION.

To what extent do you think teachers should rely on a textbook for their course?
I THINK TEXTBOOKS ARE OVER-RATED. THEY ARE USEFUL FOR REFERENCE AND PROBABLY SHOULD BE KEPT IN A CLASSROOM OR AT HOME FOR HOMEWORK REFERENCE. STUDENTS SHOULD BE BRINGING A NOTEBOOK TO CLASS AND SHOULD HAVE A PORTFOLIO OF THEIR WORK. STUDENTS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO DO “COMPARE AND CONTRAST” PROJECTS. TEXTBOOKS TEND TO DEVELOP THE NOTION THAT THERE IS ONE SOURCE FOR TRUTH. AT THE END OF A COURSE OF STUDY A STUDENT SHOULD HAVE A PORTFOLIO OF COMPLETED PROJECTS THAT SHOW REAL GROWTH IN SKILLS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE COURSE TO THE END.

Do you believe that class size is important for student learning?
DEFINITELY. SMALL CLASS SIZES SUPPORT STUDENT INTERACTION AND LEARNING. LARGE LECTURE CLASSES ENCOURAGE DICTATION NOT COMMUNICATION. WHEN DISCUSSING CLASS SIZE WE SHOULD NOT INCLUDE GUIDANCE COUNSELORS IN THE TEACHER TALLY. WE SHOULD HAVE A BETTER RATIO OF GUIDANCE COUNSELORS TO STUDENTS.

Many prep schools focus on class discussion skills and research skills and critical thinking skills, to what extent do you think Longmeadow schools should emphasize such learning?
I BELIEVE THAT IS THE DIRECTION IN WHICH WE SHOULD BE HEADING.

What role do you think the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should play in the funding of our local schools?
THE COMMONWEALTH HAS NOT BEEN SHOULDERING ITS BURDEN. THEY SHOULD FUND SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS. UNFUNDED MANDATES ARE A PROBLEM. THE COMMONWEALTH HAS THE POWER TO RAISE FUNDS ADEQUATE TO THE TASK. THIS MIGHT REQUIRE AN INCREASE IN THE SALES TAX OR THE INCOME TAX, BUT IT WOULD BE WORTHWHILE. WE SHOULD NOT BE GIVING CORPORATIONS AND HOLLYWOOD FILM COMPANIES TAX BREAKS TO OPERATE IN MASSACHUSETTS.

Do you see a role for the federal government in the funding of our public school system?
THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND PROGRAM WAS SUPPOSED TO DO THAT. ALONG CAME THE INVASION AND OCCUPATION OF IRAQ AND THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION STOPPED TALKING ABOUT AID TO SCHOOLS. WE ARE SPENDING MORE THAN $4,000.00 A SECOND ON THE IRAQ WAR. THE PENTAGON IS STILL THE BIGGEST BENEFICIARY OF THE US TREASURY.

Do you believe the Iraq war and its related costs have anything to do with the problems local school systems are currently facing? Please explain your position.
BESIDES NOT FUNDING SCHOOLS PROPERLY BECAUSE THE MONEY IS GOING TO THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT NOT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SO-CALLED DEFENSE SPENDING IS BOOSTING INFLATION. INFLATION IS A HIDDEN TAX ON SCHOOLS. DOLLARS FOR FISCAL 2009 ARE WORTH LESS THAN IN FISCAL 2008. STOP AND THINK HOW MUCH FUEL THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT BURNS TO KEEP SHIPS SAILING, PLANES FLYING AND TANKS ROLLING. THE COST OF THAT FUEL IS GOING UP AND THE VALUE OF THE DOLLAR IS GOING DOWN.

How do you stand on environmental questions? Do you support recycling in our schools? How would you enforce it?
I SUPPORT SOUND ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS. THE PLANET IS OUR HOME AND WHAT WE DO TO IT HAS AN IMPACT ON US AND OUR FUTURE. I THINK WE SHOULD HAVE MANDATORY RECYCLING IN ALL OUR SCHOOLS. THE CUSTODIANS AND TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS MUST BE MANDATED TO PARTICIPATE IN IT. IT SHOULD BE PART OF CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS. IT CAN’T JUST BE A VOLUNTEER EFFORT OF A STUDENT CLUB. PAPER IS EXPENSIVE AND IT CAN BE RECYCLED.

Should we build a new high school? Should we renovate the old one?
I BELIEVE IT WOULD BE WISER TO BUILD A NEW HIGH SCHOOL. WHAT WE DO WITH THE OLD BUILDING IS A VERY GOOD QUESTION. PERHAPS WE COULD CONVERT IT INTO LOW INCOME HOUSING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. THE TOWN SHOULD GIVE SOME THOUGHT TO THIS PROJECT.

If we build a new high school will you support a "green architecture model?
GREEN ARCHITECTURE IS THE WAY TO GO FOR THE 21ST CENTURY. IT SHOULD CONSUME VERY LITTLE ENERGY AND WASTE NONE. IT SHOULD INCLUDE SOLAR AND PHOTO-VOLTAIC ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEMS.

Are you a candidate for the School Committee or the Finance Committee?
I AM A CANDIDATE FOR THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE. WE ARE ELECTED BY THE VOTERS. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS AN APPOINTED BOARD. WE LISTEN TO DIFFERENT DRUMMERS.

How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Finance Committee?
I THINK THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS OVERLY CONCERNED ABOUT EXPENDITURES. IT WOULD BE BETTER TO THINK ABOUT WISE EXPENDITURES VERSUS FOOLISH ONES.

How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Select Board?
IT WOULD BE WORTHWHILE TO SHARE A COMMON AGENDA. SOME PROGRESS IS BEING MADE IN THAT DIRECTION.

Do you believe that the high school and the middle schools have an adequate number of guidance counselors?
NO I THINK WE SHOULD ADD SOME GUIDANCE COUNSELORS. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS UNDER THE CURRENT RATIO.

Do you support a health program at the high school? Are you happy with the status quo with respect to health education at the high school?
I SUPPORT BRINGING BACK A HEALTH COURSE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL. IT IS A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT.

How do you stand on the question of fees that students are asked to pay for athletics, clubs, parking, etc.?
I DO NOT THINK WE CAN GO ANY FURTHER WITH IMPOSING FEES. I WONDER WHY WE ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO DRIVE THEIR CARS TO THE HIGH SCHOOL. WALKING IS EXCELLENT EXERCISE.

If you have children in the school system, what school(s) do they attend?
I DO NOT HAVE ANY CHILDREN IN THE LONGMEADOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS. I THINK I CAN LOOK AT THE LARGER PICTURE AND ASSESS WHAT WILL BE OF BENEFIT TO THE ENTIRE DISTRICT.

Some questions for my fellow school committee candidates

Here are some questions for my fellow school committee candidates:

Let's have some fun with an old fashioned civics debate!

Why would anyone in their right mind want to run for a seat on the Longmeadow School Committee? Why are you running?

Do you believe that the Longmeadow schools are clean and healthy buildings?

Is our custodial coverage adequate to the task?

If not what do you propose to do about the problem?

Do you believe that the MCAS tests are worthwhile?

Do they promote "teaching to the test" rather than more worthwhile classroom interactions?

To what extent do you think teachers should rely on a textbook for their course?

Do you believe that class size is important for student learning?

Many prep schools focus on class discussion skills and research skills and critical thinking skills, to what extent do you think Longmeadow schools should emphasize such learning?

What role do you think the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should play in the funding of our local schools?

Do you see a role for the federal government in the funding of our public school system?

Do you believe the Iraq war and its related costs have anything to do with the problems local school systems are currently facing? Please explain your position.

How do you stand on environmental questions? Do you support recycling in our schools? How would you enforce it?

Should we build a new high school? Should we renovate the old one? Could it be used for elderly housing?

If we build a new high school will you support a "green architecture model?

Are you a candidate for the School Committee or the Finance Committee?

How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Finance Committee?

How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Select Board?

Do you believe that the high school and the middle schools have an adequate number of guidance counselors?

Do you support a health program at the high school? Are you happy with the status quo with respect to health education at the high school?

How do you stand on the question of fees that students are asked to pay for athletics, clubs, parking, etc.?

If you have children in the school system, what school(s) do they attend?

A short explanation of Proposition 2 and 1/2

I have been asked a number of questions about Proposition 2 and 1/2.

It is a proposition that was passed by initiative in 1980.

It passed narrowly in Longmeadow. 4,330 YES and 4,155 NO - 412 BLANK
8,897 citizens voted on the question.

Parts of the initiative have been changed by the legislature. What is left of it primarily has an effect on local property taxes.

The law limits the levy limit of a particular town. The levy is the term for the amount of money that a town is able to collect in taxes. To illustrate the principle let's use a simple example. Suppose that in fiscal 2001 the levy limit is $1,000,000.00. Under the terms of the law the most that the town can collect in fiscal 2002 is 2 and 1/2% above what they collected in 2001.

So if fiscal 2001 was $1 million, the legal limit for fiscal 2002 is $1 million plus 2 and 1/2% which equals. $1,025,000.00.
This is the new legal levy limit.

If the town decides that it wants to raise more money than allowed by the 2 and 1/2 formula, it must take the question to the voters and ask for an override.

This is a simple majority vote YES or NO.

For our example, let's say that the town government wants to set the levy limit at $1,300,000.00, instead of the $1,025,000.00 allowed by the law. Again following the law, it must place the question before the voters for their approval. In this example the voters would be asked to approve an override of $275,000.00.

If this override passes, the levy limit base for fiscal year 2003 will be $1,300,000.00 plus a 2 and 1/2% increase.
$1,300,000.00
plus $32,500.00
Total $1,332,500.00

Proposition 2 and 1/2 does not forbid tax increases on property. It limits their increase, unless a majority of the local tax payers want to raise them to a higher level.

Why would people vote to raise their taxes higher than the minimum? They would vote to raise their taxes if they wanted to see more services provided by the town. They might want to increase the library budget, the school budget or the public works budget. Or they may vote to raise the level of services of all three departments. They might want to add teaching staff, raise wage or benefit packages (as a result of collective bargaining with labor unions).

The important thing to remember is that the town government can not raise taxes above the 2 and 1/2% limit without asking the town's voters for their approval.

Whether the voters wish to approve of an override is up to the wisdom of the voters. It is their judgement that will be passed on the wisdom of the expenditures.

A rational voter will not reject an override request out of hand.

Instead he or she should ask what the money is going to be used for and what benefit would accrue to the town. He or she could then weigh that benefit against the cost of the tax increase. People in different economic circumstances might perceive the benefits and the costs differently.

One final comment-

There are a number of costs that the town can not control. Oil prices, inflation, and health insurance increases are just some examples of costs that a town can not control. An increase in the school age population would probably also require the hiring of more teachers and the purchase of more supplies. If a town wishes to maintain a level service budget, as opposed to a level funded budget, it will probably have to ask for more revenue from its citizens to match that level of service.


John J. Fitzgerald

Ballot Questions

There are two questions on the upcoming Annual Town Election ballot.

Question 1: Shall the Town of Longmeadow be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to repair the Longmeadow High School roof?

Question 2: Shall the Town of Longmeadow be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to repair the Greenwood Center roof?

Below are the two warrant articles at the Annual Town Election from which these two questions surfaced.

ARTICLE 20
The Moderator declared a unanimous affirmative vote that the Town authorize the Treasurer to borrow the sum of $100,000 for repair of the Longmeadow High School roof, provided that this appropriation shall be contingent on passage of a Proposition 2½ debt exclusion.

ARTICLE 21
The Moderator declared a unanimous affirmative vote that the Town authorize the Treasurer to borrow the sum of $375,000 for repair of the Greenwood Center roof, provided that this appropriation shall be contingent upon passage of a Proposition 2½ debt exclusion.

Assuming 5% interest rate the annual cost of these projects is ~ $24,000.

If either of these two ballot questions is not passed, then the corresponding project will not go forward.

These two articles cover much needed infrastructure repairs... I urge that everyone vote YES on both of these two questions.

Taxes and Fairness

All governments have to levy taxes in order to provide services to their citizens.

(Anarchist societies are the exception. They do not have any government and all of their exchanges are between individuals and are voluntary. There are not that many functioning anarchist societies in the modern world.)

We raise the revenue we need from taxes and fees and we make expenditures to carry out programs and services the government decides to support.

A democratic society, as opposed to an authoritarian society, allows for a civilized debate on the nature of these taxes (revenues) and the quality and quantity of services (expenditures). Social and economic class play a major role in the debate that flows back and forth in a democratic society.

I would like to make a few comments about the fairness of different types of taxes, as they relate to the Town of Longmeadow.

We rely heavily on the property tax in Longmeadow. In our current fiscal year, FY08, we got $35,956,387.00 from property taxes. That translates into 77.68% of the General Fund. (Source: 2008 Town Meeting Warrant, p. 12.)

According to that same source, the State Aid amount was $6,142,920.00. The Commonwealth by way of income taxes and sales taxes collected that money. 13.27% of our General Fund came from the State.

Another source of income for the Town of Longmeadow is the Excise Tax on motor vehicles. This brought in $2,150,000.00 and was less than 5% of our General Fund.

Let’s look at each of these and make a reasoned judgement as to their fairness.
I define fairness with respect to the ability to pay. Wealthy people can afford to pay more in taxes than poor people.

Property tax: The value of the home that you live in has some correlation with your ability to pay taxes. The value of your real estate does not correlate with your income. The value of your house reflects more on your wealth than on your income. It is probably true that when you purchased your house, your wealth was low and your income was growing.

Buying the house added to your wealth and as it grew in value over the years, and as you paid off your mortgage, your wealth increased. Your house was not only your shelter against the elements, but a wise investment. With retirement, your income probably declined, but the value of your house continued to rise. This can result in a number of people with low income or fixed income living in rather expensive houses. (There are also some very wealthy people living in rather inexpensive homes.)

The property tax is not as fair as a tax on income.

Income tax: The best kind of income tax is a graduated or progressive one. As your income goes up, your income tax rate goes up.
Someone earning $100,000.00 per year does not pay at the same rate as someone earning 10,000.00 per year. With a sliding scale of income tax of, say, from 5% to 20%, the poor person would pay $500.00 per year and the rich person would pay $20,000.00 per year. The wealthy person still gets to keep $80,000.00 in income for the year.

I am using a simple plan to illustrate the principle. If both persons were taxed at the same rate of 5% the poor man will give up far more dollars than the rich man. One would pay $500.00 and the other would pay $5,000.00. Who would be under the greater burden? This is a judgement question, but the wealthy tax payer is not going to be hurt that much by a flat tax, and only mildly with a graduated tax. With a graduated rate the state would be able to raise more money than with a flat rate and it would do so with less pain.

Sales tax: Sales taxes are considered regressive taxes because they are assessed at the same rate regardless of the customer’s ability to pay. Low-income people contribute a greater part of their income to sales taxes than do wealthy people. One positive feature of sales taxes is that they are difficult to evade.

Excise tax: Motor vehicle excise taxes are based on the value of the automobile and have a bit of progressivity built into them because of that. Wealthy folks can avoid them by keeping their cars on the road longer. Of course that takes all the fun out of being wealthy!

So where does this leave us? Some taxes are more unfair than others. Progressive income taxes are the fairest of all.

Longmeadow would benefit if the Commonwealth of Massachusetts instituted a progressive income tax. Some individuals in Longmeadow would see their individual income tax bills go up, but others would see their income tax go down. With a graduated tax, the state would be able to raise more money for needed expenditures.

If the state does not adopt a progressive income tax, Longmeadow will have to continue to raise most of its revenue from the property tax and that will require increases in the property tax rate. This increase in the levy limit is what Proposition 2 and ½ is all about. To raise the property tax above a 2 and ½% increase requires an override vote.

Unless the state changes its tax structure, Longmeadow will continue to rely on the property tax to fund local services. We might get some relief if the state government closes a number of tax “loopholes” that enable wealthy corporations to avoid their fair share of the tax burden. Another area to close off is the state’s subsidy of Hollywood by ending the “tax breaks” that we give to film producers shooting films in the state.

If the Commonwealth would agree to take on the costs of fully funding Special Education, that would take a lot of pressure off of local government. We spent $6,694,144.00 on Special Education in FY08. That is roughly 1/5 of the total school budget. An increase in the state income tax rate and/or the state sales tax rate could fully fund Special Education.

With rising energy costs and health insurance costs, perhaps it is time that the Town of Longmeadow had a serious discussion of the whole idea of tax fairness.

I hope these brief remarks will contribute to that discussion.

John J. Fitzgerald

The world is changing fast

Technology has changed our world in many ways. Both information and knowledge are exchanged at a much faster pace.... Our traditional office has become a virtual office with communication tools that were not envisioned as little as 10 years ago. Distance learning both in the university and business environments is quickly becoming a norm rather than the exception.

We should make sure that our traditional way of education is tuned to the new reality and that our children are better prepared for the future.

It is worth the time to watch the video below that shares some of this prospective....

Big-ticket schools prompt a scolding

Boston Globe- May 22, 2008

Below are some quotes from this timely article posted today on the Boston Globe's website.

“State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill complained yesterday that some Massachusetts communities are embarking on excessive, McMansion school construction projects that neither the towns nor the state can afford.”

“… Cahill also said that school communities should not be making decisions for a community. He argued that even the wealthiest towns have residents who cannot afford the tax increases needed to fund such projects.”

Longmeadow faces the same difficult economic decision as many towns in Massachusetts. Building a new high school (or undertaking a major renovation) in Longmeadow is an important financial decision. Let’s make sure that we balance our needs. It makes no economic sense to build a new high school and then realize that we have to layoff teachers to afford it. As Cahill is quoted in this article … “teachers are far more important than bricks and mortar”.

Let’s make sure that whatever decision is made that we can ensure the quality education of our children. This should be our #1 priority.

It is worth the time to read this Boston.com article to compare our Longmeadow's situation with other towns in Massachusetts.

SC Candidates Answer Some Tough Questions

As it has been highlighted on this blog in the recent past, the Town of Longmeadow and its citizens are facing a financial crisis over the next few years. With the rapidly escalating costs of education (+ other town services) and slow growth sources of revenue, our town will be forced to make some tough decisions about how to spend our money. In past years Town taxpayers have already shown their displeasure with Proposition 2½ overrides and last year a $2.1 million override was passed by the slimmest margin (6 votes).

In the upcoming Annual Town Elections on June 10 there are six candidates running for three open seats on the Longmeadow School Committee. The three people that will be chosen will be have a significant role in deciding the future course of education in our town.

There is a Meet the SC Candidates forum posted on LongmeadowBiz which provides candidate profile information. In addition, there is a series of four questions which have been asked of each candidate.

1. In your view what are the most pressing needs facing our schools?
2. How should the schools best handle the rising costs of special education?
3. How do you feel about the need for a new high school?
4. What would do to improve the communication between the School Committee and town government? Between town residents and the School Committee?

Take the time to read each candidate’s profile and their answers and make sure that you stop by the Longmeadow Community House on June 10 between 8 am – 8 pm to VOTE for your favorite candidate! Your vote counts…. remember last year’s Proposition 2½ question passed by only 6 votes.

If you are out of town on June 10 and cannot vote…. That is no excuse. Stop the Town Hall before June 9, 12 noon and pick up an ABSENTEE ballot.

Let’s get a 50% turnout for this important election.

Local election choices

On June 10th Longmeadow voters will go to the polls to select three School Committee members and one Select Board member. School Committee member Bobby Barkett is the only candidate for the Select Board. He has been a dedicated and hard working member of the School Committee and I'm sure he will be just as diligent on the Select Board.

In the School Committee election we are lucky to have six candidates for three seats. All six candidates appear to be good candidates with useful backgrounds and thoughtful appeals. I am very pleased to see this much interest in serving in what is a very time consuming but very important role. I sincerely hope that the fourth place finisher is strongly considered for the opening that will occur immediately after the election due to the election of Barkett to the Select Board. Taking the time and making the effort to run a campaign should weigh very heavily in favor of anyone seeking appointment to fill a vacancy. When I was elected three years ago we appointed Paul Santaniello, the fourth place finisher, to the committee.

Though all six candidates would make fine members of the School Committee, voters only have three votes. My three votes will go to the three most progressive candidates; the candidates who are most appreciative of the need for ALL elected officials to exert political leadership on issues that many consider too big to tackle at the local level. Candidates who will take the time and exert the energy to speak out and to speak truth to power are the candidates who will get my support.

I suggest that anyone unfamiliar with the candidates try to get out to Longmeadow Days this weekend. All the candidates will undoubtedly be there passing out info and chatting with voters.

Good luck to all the candidates.

Jerold Duquette (soon to be former SC member)