THE BIG ISSUE IN ENFIELD

We keep doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results...that's the definition of what?

Now that the new Town Council is about to be sworn in, what will be the key issue to watch? What will effect you and me the most over the next two years? What will life be like as we approach the 2007 election?

The topic for discussion at local restaurants, at school sporting events, and shopping centers will be "Did you get your tax bill".

That's right, it will be the increase to what you pay to live in our great town.

This election was about what was going to happen with the re-evaluation of residential properties. In 2007, it will be about what did happen when your home was evaluated beyond your expectation. The people trying to raise a family will be faced with diminishing resources to provide for the kids. Senior citizens will have to decide whether to pay for that prescription, buy food, or pay their increased taxes, while their fixed income stays..well, stays fixed.

I, along with my Republican team, did everything we could to warn the people of this issue. We spoke about it at every venue. We sent mailings out to explain to our neighbors why we were the better choice of leadership to create solutions to the pending imbalance of our tax base in Enfield.

But, now the election is over and it is time to deal with this, not as a campaign issue, but as reality. What will the majority on the Town Council do to protect you and me. Will they sacrifice our kids education? Will they cut services? Will leaf pick up be the first thing to go? Will they push our Town Manager out of his job and try to blame our woes on him? Will they take money from our reserves and CIP funds? (Hmmm been there done that)

What we need is a creative approach to our financial future in Enfield. We need to allow the minority party in the Town Council to be a part of the dialog and not just the majority party discussing these issues in their caucus and then dictate them at their meetings. We need to retain our current Town Manager and lean upon his vast knowledge and understanding of finance and our town needs.

So what should you as citizens watch out for as we approach next year. What should be the red flag that something just is not right. Well, here are a few things to keep your eye on.

1. Question the private meetings in a Caucus that refuses to allow public discussion.
2. Question promises offered that have no explanation of how they will be paid for.
3. Question the "we get along" statements. Could it be that back room agreements are disguised this way.
4. Question why our kids in school are freezing and don't even have paper to burn.
5. Question why the minority leadership is not aware of decision prior to the Council meeting.

If we ask the questions enough it will force true debate, clear direction and sound decisions. If we do not, we will see tax bills that will make the gasoline crunch of 2005 seem like the good old days.

Greg Stokes