“A corner has been turned” noted Kathy Haire, who led efforts on Randolph’s
passage of a $5.48 million override for its school system.
Haire and others, including
School Committee Chairman Larry Azer, fought against seemingly entrenched
negative attitudes about local government. After four failed efforts, the
committee was able to mobilize voters with aspirational messages that spoke to
what Randolph
residents want for their young people.
It seems voters got the message. Check out this quote from The Patriot Ledger:
Voters interviewed as they left the polls at Randolph High School
said they were willing to sacrifice to improve town services and maintain their
property values.
Oscar Santos brought his two young children to the polls as voted in favor
of all three override questions.
“If we don’t invest in our schools, we can’t invest in anything. It’s
about what you value,” he said.
The [Randolph] Town Councilors’ view on the local options meals tax has shifted. After denying an additional meals tax last year, the Council voted, 5-4, to add an additional 0.75-percent to the state’s current 6.25-percent meals tax to generate revenue April 11. Although the council voted against the meals tax last year, it did adopt the 2-percent hotel room tax. Councilors Paul Meoni, Paul Fernandes, Bill Alexopoulos and Ken Clifton voted against the meals tax, but the other councilors said the town needs the extra $400,000 that the tax increase is estimated to generate. [Full Article: 
While many communities in Massachusetts are cutting services to make up for increasing budget deficits, Randolph voters, who last year passed a Prop. 2 1/2 override, are investing in their public systems and laying the groundwork for economic growth according to 