The Regional School Unit 16 budget has been held hostage long enough — “Poland board won’t sign warrant for school budget” (Sun Journal, June 9). The signatures are just to give the people of RSU 16 the chance to vote it up or down.

A board member said, “I don’t like signing something I don’t agree with.” I couldn’t care less what she shinks. It’s not her job to tell voters what she thinks. Her job is to allow the people to vote, up or down. Maybe more will agree with her than with those people who are frustrated that their children’s education is held up for $20 a year.

That’s right. This tizzy is all about $20 per year.

Someone said, “I don’t feel we were being listened to.” When did the School Committee not listen? When the 2010-11 budget was kept $2 million lower than from 2008-09? When an additional $270,000 was cut from salaries, benefits and stipends? When another position was cut?

They listened loud and clear during the past two years and slashed 74 positions, cut music, art, physical education and computer education. It’s time to listen to those people who value education.

We’ve done it the other way. Education has been watered down by drastic cuts.

I totally agree that taxes are too high, but the schools aren’t the problem. Go to Washington, D.C., or Augusta to voice concern about not funding education mandates.

Until those are changed, dig deep for 43 cents per week in increased taxes.

Brian Gagnon, Minot