Taxpayers Vs. Cost Of Education

There is a squabble going on in town over the cost of education, inflation, and the restoration of missing money from the school system that left many teachers, students, and residents, disappointed with the 2009 budget.

Last election the taxpayers, elected a board of Alderman, that promised to keep our town taxes low, while teachers were surprised when the budget fell short a couple of million dollars. The new Superintendent, Harvey Polansky said to the Board of Alderman to "restore the funds" and that he did not take the new job of superintendent to "dismantle the school system." On the other hand Edward Tamas a local Milford native, has spearheaded a taxpayer group that told the Board Of Alderman that if they give Polansky what he is demanding than he will lead a "Recall" mission to hold the Alderman at their word... keeping our property taxes affordable.

The entire situation has only become more challenging, as towns and municipalities all over connecticut are desperately seeking money to fix gaps in their budgets limiting what the state can offer in aid. New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, you name it virtually every city is struggling, unless it be lower fairfield county and then things get at the very least "Rosier" for those towns that were able to maintain quality education with a low mill rate relative to their expensive real estate.

According to the CT Post "aldermanic Leaders do not feel threatened by the potential recall, said Minority Leader Vincent Ditchkus Jr., R-3. (referring to Tamas) It's his right to seek it, but a recall is not an easy process. And a special election would cost money. Has he thought of that?"

The energy and emotions are running hot as the blog boards show a very divisive battle over the town budget, petitions with thousands of signatures have been circulating to everyone including Milford's mayor Richetelli. Our leaders, most notably Jim Amann has resigned under a cloud of suspicion citing that he wants to focus on becomming Connecticuts next governor, a job that in the wake of Rell's high approval rating is a "longshot at best."

Rocco J. Frank Jr. a candidate for Jim Amman's seat said two things about the sad situation at city hall, he said "that the alderman and Amann "painted themselves into a corner" had Jim delivered the educational funds to Milford's schools like he did for St. Mary's Catholic school, and other pet projects, we would not have this mess on our hands. I believe that Jim understood how this mess could backfire on him, I believe he resigned to spare himself any potential embarrassment."

Frank also said that at this point "Milford should learn from this horrible mistake and setup a local "rainy day fund" so no more teachers ever have to be subjected to this kind of humiliation from the town Democrats and Republicans." Frank also said that successful towns do not diminish their school systems and neither should Milford.

Photo Above, of the now resigned Amann propping up his choice of a candidate, Former Miss Ct. a 25 year old recently unemployed airline stewardess.