budget cuts

Good quotes about about residents working together through their government:

And on the local level folk are struggling to define what kind of government they want and how they are going to pay for it. Check out this series of Letters to the Editor from Holbrook residents, followed by a very thoughtful clarifying comment. (When is the last time you read one of those?) .

The Missing Gems

Holbrook - To the Editor:

Although I am a senior citizen (being 85 years old does qualify me), I am writing as a citizen of Holbrook.

Cuts have to be made in the town’s budget and we must live with cuts. The override was turned down and we now have to live accordingly, but share the cuts across the board. Do not put the burden on one group.

We are in the process of losing two gems in this town.

First and foremost, there is the Holbrook Public Library, whose budget will be cut dramatically. The library is an incredible part of the wealth of our town. Toddlers get a taste at three years and younger of good books. Continue on and the entire library nurtures students of all ages. There are, of course, books, magazines, periodicals, DVDs, computers, and on and on.

This story in today's Globe, State's fiscal picture dims: Cuts, tax hikes may be on table, is very interesting. What I want to know is, where's the table, and isn't this a good time for community input into what kind of government we want and how we pay for it?

Scott Van Vooris in Wednesday's Herald suggests that the demise of the casino bill will spark a budget brawl..........a new era of tough financial choices, painful cuts and bickering over lost opportunities or .......

Maybe a statewide community conversation about the kind of government we want and how we pay for it. If not gambling revenues what? 

No deal, no money
Casinos’ demise to spark budget brawl
By Scott Van Voorhis   |   Wednesday, March 19, 2008  The likely demise of Gov. Deval Patrick's casino plan will usher in a new era on Beacon Hill of tough financial choices, painful cuts and bickering over lost opportunities, some lawmakers warn...................