SB2 works great in Pemi-Baker School district

February 28, 2009

Editor, The Citizen:

The Pemi-Baker School District deserves kudos for demonstrating to voters, once again, just how effective the Official Ballot form of Town and School District meetings can be. Since the adoption of RSA 40:13 by the district, gone are the days of heart-pounding, double-digit increases in the high school budget! Under the bridle of SB2, the P-B School Board has consistently presented a reasonable budget that voters soundly support. In fact, for the third consecutive year, the proposed budget is actually lower than what taxpayers would be required to provide in a default budget (minus warrant articles). Much credit is due board members and the administration for cutting back on increased appropriations and holding off on a much-desired track proposal this year, in light of the uncertainty we face in this ominous economic climate.

SB2 has also had the effect of sharpening the board's efforts to communicate budget proposals and explain the warrant articles to the public. The explanatory materials and documents available at the deliberative session (and from then, until voting day, at school offices) make the budgtet process much easier to understand than years before. District voters who could/did not attend last Tuesday's meeting have the advantage of being able to watch the discussion which took place for several weeks on Channel 3, and may take the opportunity to discuss any concerns/questions you have with board members, administrators and neighbors before casting your vote on March 10.

I hope Plymouth voters will join me in supporting the Official Ballot Bill, RSA 40:13, at the polls this year, for the Plymouth School District and Town of Plymouth ballots. I firmly believe SB2 preserves the best elements of the traditional annual meeting format, and actually prevents control of our budgets by special interests. It is a well established fact that 3-5 times as many people vote at the polls as those who attend annual meetings, and Plymouth voters are very well-informed. Please restore the right to vote, including by absentee ballot, to our absent family members, neighbors and friends who cannot make the annual meetings. Vote yes on RSA 40:13 at the polls on March 10.

Joan Randlett

Plymouth