Budgeting is not, nor should it be, about blindly picking a figure at the beginning of the process, then spending the rest of the time justifying the result, ignoring all other input, even if proof shows that some short-term spending shall save much more money or have drastic consequences in the long-term.

Auburn certainly can’t afford the whole $1.4 million asked for by the School Committee, but there has to be room for some compromise. Most clearly, we all heard a good cross section of the community at the June 8 hearing state loudly and clearly that they would be willing to pay a bit more property tax and sacrifice a little more for their schools and children to maintain quality.

I pray my fellow councilors were listening to all the testimony and truly realize the importance of our school system to be the infrastructure for our children and the community.

“No steps backward!”

Councilor Bob Mennealy, Auburn