Why vote “Yes” for a new Shrewsbury Library?
According to the perpetual naysayers, there is never a good time to vote for anything.? Their modus operandi is always the same; no, no and no.? Same signs; same pitch.
What they forget is that Shrewsbury residents understand they live in a good town, one that was ranked # 15 by Money magazine. This town boasts low tax rates, low electric rates, excellent schools, ethnic diversity, recreation including Dean Park and Lake Quinsigamond, and a core of dedicated, hard-working municipal employees.
Unlike the federal government which has come to a grinding halt with fanatics on both sides acting like two-year olds fighting in a playpen, most of the Town of Shrewsbury understands the value of compromise.? When financial resources are limited, town leaders find a way to evaluate what's most important and guide the town to good fiscal decisions.? What comes first?? How can we get the most bang for our bucks?
Right now, the voters in Shrewsbury have to decide whether it's better to vote to fund a library that's been approved by Selectmen, by Town Meeting members and the Finance Committee.? ?A yes vote shares the cost of renovating and adding to the current library with state funding of almost $8 million, donations from concerned citizens of just under $2 million and the town's contribution of a $13.6 million bond spread over 20 years.
A no vote does not fix the spiraling problems, but rather shifts all the burden of monumental repairs squarely back to the town, meaning more cuts to an already lean budget.? A no vote loses the state grant that took many years of hard work navigating through an onerous application process.? A no vote loses the contributions that volunteers have labored to collect.
A yes vote shows community responsibility, the ability to compromise and change from the last narrow defeat, and to keep Shrewsbury on a fiscally conservative footing while addressing prioritized infrastructure needs.
The choice is clear; look at the facts.? Look at the outcomes.? Vote yes for the Shrewsbury Public Library!
Joyce DeWallace
Shrewsbury