Contributor“Armageddon?” “The Brink?” “Fiscal Cliff?” Residents of Belmont generously passed $370 million in overrides to build a new high school/middle school, a new library, and a skating rink — when Belmont could not afford these projects.
The Select Board and other town leaders have been irresponsible with our money. They think that all they need to do is scream, “There will be Armageddon,” and Belmont will be “on the brink?” (The brink of what?) and just keep going back to the well.
Well, the well is dry!
It is way past time for fiscal responsibility — Belmont must make cuts and “live within its means.” Most people have had to budget, sacrifice, and live within their means. For most Americans, this has become a reality!
Families cannot pass overrides to pay bills. For those of you who do not worry about another tax increase, good for you! However, you are not in the majority. Most of us are having a challenging time, and many families in Belmont are on “The Brink.” The brink of falling behind in paying exorbitant tax bills and being forced to move out of Belmont — many are second-, third-, and even fourth-generation Belmontians. Not to mention our seniors who are on fixed incomes.
Many demanding an override don’t care. However, with so many families being forced to move, there will be many homes for sale, and real estate values will go down. Also, we will lose our diversity. We’ll continue to be a “Town of Homes,” but it will only be a “Town of Homes” for the wealthy.
I urge people to vote “No” to another override, which would be the largest override Belmont has ever requested. Enough is enough.
Diane Tortola Dideo, Trowbridge Street
