John Vibert
Unionville
Original: Patch.com
FARMINGTON, CT — To the Editor:
It is with intense interest that I have been following the high school building project being voted on this Thursday, June 3.
While I no longer have children at home, I firmly support the high school proposal as presented by the Building Committee, Town Council, and Board of Education. I always find it remarkable that immediately prior to a referendum, there are “instant experts” on educational programming, facilities planning, tax assessment, bonding, and annual budgeting. We have elected residents who represent the best interests of children who attend our schools, and all residents who live here. We entrust these volunteers to make decisions about our schools and the resources needed to operate them, and to respond to change. They have hired the best educational professionals, facility planners, and designers to respond to the growth and needs of our community.
I have lived here my whole life, and have raised a family here. I remain in this wonderful town because of the tangible and intangible assets and values I believe in; having a top-notch educational system will benefit the community not only now, but into the future. Our town leaders are prudent with our tax dollars; and our return on investment is exceptional.
For some, it may seem unfair to pay more taxes for capital projects that they no longer need, like the high school. But our entire community stands to benefit from this project: it will provide a facility for community events, continuing education, and our emergency shelter; it will support our property values, and help stabilize our tax base by ensuring that our community continues to be attractive to young families.
To my fellow town residents who think they know better than our elected and appointed officials, I challenge them to stand up and run for office. It is much easier to sit on the sidelines and criticize than to roll-up your sleeves everyday to do the hard work required to lead and manage the needs of our community and its excellent quality of living. Our entrusted leaders have worked diligently through an extensive process to get us here – I urge you to now do your part by joining me on Thursday, June 3rd in voting yes for a new high school for Farmington.
John Vibert
Unionville
Community support for the project is strong - Read more letters!