Where are our State Representatives when it comes to Enfield's Education?
On February 14th the School Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) presented their recommendation to the Board of Education. These people work hard over the past couple of months to put together a plan for school funding which included an increase of 7.5%.
The report they submitted included better funding for the Leaps Program, which is the After School Program. I serve on the Board of Directors of Leaps and I appreciate their (BAC) desire to strengthen this great organization.
They also seek to strengthen Elementary Math, Music programs, Libraries, and many more worthy segments of Enfield's education. They worked hard and came up with a proposal that, in their eyes, begins to advance education in our town.
I took the opportunity to speak at the meeting, placing my support for the BAC plan to improve our schools. I did this because I have felt that over the past few years we have just maintained our schools and have not advanced.
Now, I am for lower taxes and will always desire to see the tax burden on Enfield citizens reduced. But, the problem is not always with local spending, although we need to examine spending for ways to tighten our belts. The problem is with State funding, or the lack of funding.
During the BOE meeting one of the Democrat Council members attending stated that we need help from our Representatives in Hartford. This is interesting when the party in power in Enfield, is also the party in power in Hartford. You would think that we would receive strong support because of this, in our school funding. But, we never hear of how the political partnership between Hartford and Enfield benefits our residents.
I have to stand for what I believe is best for our students. I want my friends to know that I have not abandon them, but have had enough of just maintaining our schools....I want us to advance to greatness.
The problem is in Hartford. We have two Democrats that represent Enfield and they have the majority at the Capitol. Mr. Jarmoc and Ms. Tallarita need to explain why we have not seen their influence benefit Enfield. Why do we never hear these Representatives speak and answer questions during budget season in their town? I know they work in Hartford, but they have an obligation to dialog with Enfield Citizens. They have the power to reduce the burden of property tax at home and it's time we hear what they will do to help us.
The Educational Cost Sharing system (ECS) needs over haul and they have the power to make changes, so that Enfield gets their fair share. The burden of this increase, brought by the BAC, should not rest on the back of Enfield property owners, but should come from money promised from Casino revenue, promised so long ago.
So, I will take the hit for my view point. I will work to better the educational system in Enfield. But, I also will encourage spending adjustments locally, and a better share of money we should be getting from Hartford.
Last, I have been asked if I am running again for the State Office in the 58th district. If I do run and am elected I will be a loud voice in bringing educational dollars back to Enfield. I would make sure our students get the best education. I would work to begin to take the burden off of the local property owner.
Okay, go ahead and fire the shots at me.
Greg Stokes
On February 14th the School Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) presented their recommendation to the Board of Education. These people work hard over the past couple of months to put together a plan for school funding which included an increase of 7.5%.
The report they submitted included better funding for the Leaps Program, which is the After School Program. I serve on the Board of Directors of Leaps and I appreciate their (BAC) desire to strengthen this great organization.
They also seek to strengthen Elementary Math, Music programs, Libraries, and many more worthy segments of Enfield's education. They worked hard and came up with a proposal that, in their eyes, begins to advance education in our town.
I took the opportunity to speak at the meeting, placing my support for the BAC plan to improve our schools. I did this because I have felt that over the past few years we have just maintained our schools and have not advanced.
Now, I am for lower taxes and will always desire to see the tax burden on Enfield citizens reduced. But, the problem is not always with local spending, although we need to examine spending for ways to tighten our belts. The problem is with State funding, or the lack of funding.
During the BOE meeting one of the Democrat Council members attending stated that we need help from our Representatives in Hartford. This is interesting when the party in power in Enfield, is also the party in power in Hartford. You would think that we would receive strong support because of this, in our school funding. But, we never hear of how the political partnership between Hartford and Enfield benefits our residents.
I have to stand for what I believe is best for our students. I want my friends to know that I have not abandon them, but have had enough of just maintaining our schools....I want us to advance to greatness.
The problem is in Hartford. We have two Democrats that represent Enfield and they have the majority at the Capitol. Mr. Jarmoc and Ms. Tallarita need to explain why we have not seen their influence benefit Enfield. Why do we never hear these Representatives speak and answer questions during budget season in their town? I know they work in Hartford, but they have an obligation to dialog with Enfield Citizens. They have the power to reduce the burden of property tax at home and it's time we hear what they will do to help us.
The Educational Cost Sharing system (ECS) needs over haul and they have the power to make changes, so that Enfield gets their fair share. The burden of this increase, brought by the BAC, should not rest on the back of Enfield property owners, but should come from money promised from Casino revenue, promised so long ago.
So, I will take the hit for my view point. I will work to better the educational system in Enfield. But, I also will encourage spending adjustments locally, and a better share of money we should be getting from Hartford.
Last, I have been asked if I am running again for the State Office in the 58th district. If I do run and am elected I will be a loud voice in bringing educational dollars back to Enfield. I would make sure our students get the best education. I would work to begin to take the burden off of the local property owner.
Okay, go ahead and fire the shots at me.
Greg Stokes
posted by Greg Stokes at
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
1 Comments:
Greg,
I just read this column. As a member of the BAC, I can tell you that it was a very eye opening experience for me. While I thought that our schools were rife with waste, I found for the most part they are not. I spent a lot of time looking at the budget and was very surprised at not only the fixed costs that they have to deal with but also the limited amount of money left over after fixed costs.
I was also very impressed by the staff on the BOE and the work they do. Our town is extremely fortunate to have these people working for us.
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