Mannino seeks backing for school board re-election

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

To the Editor:

For the past four years, I have made the people’s voice heard by the board and the district staff on issues ranging from curriculum and test scores to budgeting and taxes; my votes have reflected your will and together, we have found ourselves on the winning side of key decisions that have served to benefit the school district and our community.

During budget season, I have never once forgotten that it is your money that is collected twice per year through local taxes with which the school district is reliant upon. When other members have suggested via their wish lists that more of your money was desired, that is when I have consistently taken a strong stand for you and voted against spending that is not critical to the overall operations of the district.

But, as a colleague of mine said recently during budget discussions, “it’s not always about the bottom line as it is about finding the right balance.”

I agree.

The expense of the district’s operations must balance with the ability of taxpayers to afford it.

If the board continues to strive for “the right balance” by applying fiscal restraint during these difficult times, then when the economy improves and people are working again, the district will emerge intact, stronger than it was, and in a much better position to recondition existing programs and take advantage of any promising news one that may appear on the horizon.

I respectfully ask for your vote on March 9, 2010.

LEN MANNINO

Milford