TIVERTON DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE APPLAUDS RESULTS OF FTM

Members of the Tiverton Democratic Committee (TDTC) joined about 330 Tiverton voters at Tiverton’s May 14th Financial Town Meeting (FTM) to support the budget recommended by the Tiverton Budget Committee and led the defeat budget amendments, including one by Tiverton Citizens for Change (TCC) leader and Budget Committee member Joe Sousa which once again targeted the schools by attempting to cut $1 million from their budget.

“Our members have been strong advocates for a rational and responsible budget that meets the needs of the town and school district while not overly burdening the average taxpayer,” stated Mike Burk, chairman of the TDTC. “Unlike other groups in town who jumped on the bandwagon at the last possible moment to try to gain political points, we have consistently advocated for the budget approved by voters at the FTM. We applaud the work of the Budget Committee under the leadership of Chairman Chris Cotta for putting forth a rational and reasonable budget and the decisions of the FTM voters to support the budget as recommended.”

The TDTC also led the efforts to defeat a taxpayer resolution on the docket which would have stripped any savings from the Town's general reserve above the charter required 3% of the current operating budget. After many difficult financial years caused by state aid cuts, our unreserved fund balance was at a mere 3.25% of our total budget. Burk stated that, “With pension liability and capital improvement issues on the horizon, including a November bond referendum for a new library, we should not be reducing savings. A reduced reserve would almost certainly lead to a reduction in the Town's credit rating, which in turn would significantly increase borrowing costs to be passed on to taxpayers. This TCC sponsored resolution is another example of their short-sighted thinking and fiscal irresponsibility. The leaders of this small special interest group simply do not want to pay their fair share and support our community. FTM voters made a wise choice in soundly defeating this resolution."

While efforts are underway to try to do away with the FTM, the TDTC is cautious about any of the existing proposals. “While the FTM isn’t perfect, it has proven to be a sound way of deciding on the Town’s finances in a forum which allows everyday voters to be heard. We urge caution in considering any proposal that would eliminate this vestige of American democracy”, said Burk.

The Democratic Town Committee believes in a community based and inclusive approach to government. They support and promote healthy discussion around important issues facing the community and to that end invite all to share their thoughts, ideas, and needs as a community with them at info_requests@democrats02878.org.

For More Information Contact:
Mike Burk, TDTC Chairman
burkmike@verizon.net
401-527-2692