Millville voters must reject another override attempt

Have Millville leaders duped us? After calling a special town meeting, asking residents to vote on an override, and presenting three forums stressing the need for same, the meeting took place April 30, drawing a record crowd of 217 voters. The simple majority vote did not favor the override.

Obviously, our leaders were disappointed with the vote – they have now authorized a special election to revisit the question, hoping they will get the answer they want to hear.

Many voters are understandably upset and confused since they made their feelings explicit at the special meeting, where they were led to believe that vote would carry.

Obviously, the vote did not please our leaders, who insist on taking this second action “in the best interest of the town.” News flash: the residents are “the town.” We are not a separate entity. Are we being duped again?

The date of the election warrant is June 19. Reality is that a “yes” vote will do nothing to balance the town budget. A “no” vote would send a message to our leaders that we need more fiscal responsibility and a more conservative approach to town expenditures.

It is clear that town officials are passionate about passing an override, but ask yourself, who will profit from this move, and who will suffer?

Taxing our way out of financial difficulties through an override is not the answer. An override provides a shortterm fix. What happens when our leaders again decide we don’t have enough money to pay for salary increases, newly-created positions and inflated medical expenses? The result is that we are right back where we started, only now our taxes are excessively high!

These are questions Millville taxpayers need to think about before going to the polls on June 19. Please consider a “no” vote. Don’t be duped again.

Ellen Bowen

Millville