Some time ago, in an unprecedented vote, residents of Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland soundly defeated the 2012 RSU 16 school budget by an almost 2-to-1 margin. Also included at the polls was a questionnaire asking if the budget should be lower, higher or stay the same. Result: By almost 3-to-1, the budget should be lower.

The majority of taxpayers who spoke at budget and school board meetings conveyed the message of no new taxes. It certainly sounded like a pretty clear message; even the chairman of the school board was quoted as saying, “We get it.”

A week or two later, the board held a public hearing and proposed to cut roughly one-half of the tax increase, saying there is no more left to cut. The chairman told everyone, if any more money is cut, teachers would go and programs would be cut. Opinions and options were presented by the public to no avail, and the parade marched on.

On June 13, one board member said she would not support cutting even $1 more. Another proclaimed maybe the public should give up their morning drive-through coffee.

Are there options without cutting teachers or programs? Way too many to express here and, more importantly, the need to be heard by a board that is not only willing to listen but also willing to take action.

Can it happen? Only if enough people get out on June 21 to vote “no” on the RSU 16 school budget.

Actions speak louder than words.

Larry Moreau, Poland