Polito says state needs to share the wealth
By Melissa Muntz Contributing Writer

Shrewsbury - A projected state budget surplus at the end of fiscal year (FY) 2007 means the state is either taking too much from taxpayers or failing to adequately share the wealth with cities and towns, said State Rep. Karyn E. Polito, RShrewsbury.

In a budget presentation at the July 9 Board of Selectmen meeting, Polito said she believes the state needs to do more to help municipalities, especially in the wake of a very tough budget cycle.

"I think we can do more across the board," she said. "When there are so many towns and cities seeking Proposition 2-1/2 overrides … there's obviously a need on the part of the municipalities for a better relationship with the state."

Polito also brought positive budget news to the meeting. Additional funds have been secured to finish the beautification project at Jordan Pond and the second phase of improvements at Lake Street Park.

Bidding process

to be simplified

Despite interested parties picking up 60 informational packets on the defunct, townowned Edgemere Diner, only one bidder came forward, and that bidder has since backed out.

The board voted in November 2006 to seek bids, selling the diner for $1 but keeping the land and leasing it to the diner owner for $2,000 a month.

Selectman James McCaff rey said he believed simplifying the bidding process would give the town a better chance of attracting a serious bidder.

"There appears to be a lot of interest in the site as a viable business and viable location but the bid process was just too complicated," he said.

The board will re-examine the bidding process in August before soliciting new bids.

Aerial truck arrives

The Shrewsbury Fire Department is 80,000 pounds heavier now that the $800,000, 102- foot aerial truck has arrived.

The vehicle will be up and running in about a month. Every Fire Department member also will receive 40 hours of training on the new truck, including vehicle strategy and tactics training with an expert from the New York City Fire Department.

Town Meeting voted to purchase the vehicle in 2005. Chief Gerald LaFlamme said the vehicle is a critical tool because of its ability to reach the distances needed to fight a fire at Shrewsbury's larger properties.