March 2009
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am running for re-election and I ask for your vote on May 5. And come to the kickoff April 5!
My three years on the Brookline Board of Selectmen have been challenging and rewarding. I began with listening and learning: meeting with residents, department heads and town employees to understand internal Town operations. In addition to normal Selectman’s duties, I have worked successfully on a variety of projects:
I have always tried to be fair, open, and responsive to residents and employees alike. Now, over the next three years, we will be facing the most uncertain financial times since the post-Proposition 2-1/2 budget of 1983, when Town and Schools cut personnel by 15%. The national recession is only part of the problem. Already the state has cut Brookline’s local aid this fiscal year, with additional cuts of $2.5 million anticipated in FY-10. Our local receipts are down. We may need to cut $4 million to balance the budget next year. While there may be federal stimulus funds eventually, they will travel slowly through the filter of the state, and most likely will be earmarked for special purposes. Fortunately some funding will be for climate change mitigation and green technology, helping us all.
As we learned from the 2008 Override Study Committee, the Town is well managed, follows prudent fiscal practices, and has only limited areas where significant savings can be achieved. The Efficiency Initiative Committee has diligently followed up. Our fixed costs, such as health insurance, are increasing by double digits, while revenues are flat. As we formulate the FY-10 budget, I am committed to preserving services and to avoiding lay-offs if at all possible. This will mean tough decisions.
Brookline has a powerful tradition of activism and participation in public life. Together, we can work to keep the things we value about Brookline intact. The next few years are going to be trying for the town and for all of us. I hope I have earned your continuing support as we face the challenges ahead.
Even in a frugal campaign, as I intend to run, reaching voters comes at a cost. I am hoping that you will join me in keeping cost and carbon footprint low by going to my website www.betsydewitt.com to (1) endorse my re-election as Selectwoman and (2) make a contribution to the campaign.
Many thanks to you all,
Betsy DeWitt
