Needham Override Fails

From this morning's Globe:

NEEDHAM

Voters reject override for school programs

Voters last night rejected the School Department's proposed $1.48 million override, which would have funded several programs such as the Science Center, elementary Spanish, high school athletics, and the hiring of 16 teachers. Voters approved a $597,370 override to support town expenses, including two police officers, one firefighter, library materials, and money to revamp the website. The failed school override will mean the Science Center will be closed next fall and athletic fees will increase to $285 per student per sport.

I think we all know who we can blame for Needham having to be put in the position (he works on a hill in Boston, but doesn't spend much time there...)

But here's the question I pose to all of the candidates running statewide: what the Eff are YOU going to do about it? Raise the income tax? Cut the income tax? Re-allocate spending to local aid?

Want to know what I think? Here goes: we need more than what Healy has done (i.e. nothing) in her role as the "liaison" to cities and towns. Where has she been fighting on their behalf? Nowhere. But here's the bigger question: what could she really have done? Pounded on the Governor's desk, demanding that he order his executive budget-writing staff to allocate more $ to local aid? Uh, no. Could she have lobbied the Senate Prez and Speaker for more aid? Sure, but that wouldn't get her anywhere. So, I presume she's essentially been powerless.

Now, how is that going to change in a Dem administration? I dunno, it depends on how much attention the Gov wants to pay to local aid. And all the hooting and hollering by the LG candidates ain't going to make much of a difference. Be wary of the LG candidates who say that they're going to "fight for cities and towns." While that will certainly be accepted more under a Dem administration than under this current one, running on a platform to fill that role seems a bit narrow. And what about the other LG platforms? Jobs? Do we want a jobs or healthcare czar in that role? Would that be more "effective" than having an "advocate for cities and towns"?

Discuss...

p.s. - yes, I know this post is loaded with innuendo about the various LG candidates. I'm closing in on a selection, but still need to be convinced as to who I'm going to support at the convention. I await the onslaught of posts from the campaigns...