Beverly Johansen, Westford resident

If members of our Select Board think the voters will go for more expensive overrides if they hear that 28 teachers may be cut, then they better be prepared for the seniors, disabled and others, who live on the edge on fixed incomes, whose health care costs go up like those of the workforce, our food and costs of living go up like the workers and elite of this town, but our incomes do not go up as others in this town. So their pocket change increase of $1000 one year and $2000 another can mean less food, health impacts due to medication costs, etc. I haven’t heard anything addressing that demographic. They always want to use the needs of the schools, teachers, paraprofessionals etc. to ultimately threaten us by using the well-being of the students to get what they want. 

Everybody’s job, healthcare and quality of life is important, not just the 6+ figure income earners. Just like they came up with the bus fees for those who use the busses, sports fees for those who play the sports. I think it is time to start charging the people, who have children in the schools a “fee” or a “tax” (like the storm water) or reduce taxes on the ones that don’t. Whatever portion of the override is for the schools divide the cost among the residents, who utilize the system . “Scholarships” may be applied for those who can demonstrate a need. The time has come for it. The amounts are outrageous. Tighten your belts like we have to. Don’t keep taking money from the residents to pay Town overspending and keep kicking the can down the road. DON’T TAX ME OUT! 

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