I'll vote Yes. But we all should look at the facts and ignore rhetoric.

It's striking to me, and I think very telling, that the proponents of the passage of the override are able to constantly and consistently quote actual facts in their editorials and even in their comments. They've taken the time to actually research the issue, find the readily available facts (and provide links to these resources in their commentary), and come to a reasoned conclusion. The opponents: 1. Speak in generalities. 2. Reference completely unrelated subjects without any facts to back up their inferences (classroom size in China?). 3. Accuse elected officials of "fuzzy math" without providing context. 4. Refuse to recognize the "average" class size as a true indication of the degradation of education quality and instead call for class size in each room, all the while pointing to the "average" increase in the tax bill per household. 5. Lie to voters by telling them that this override will be the “first in a series of permanent overrides” (countered by the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen here http://www.shrewsbury-ma.gov/egov/docs/1401234994269.htm). 6. Ceaselessly and incorrectly claim excess spending by the town is the reason for the budget shortfall when a committee of elected officials and volunteer residents found, “Simply put, the committee found that there are no viable or realistic alternatives to reduce the expenditures of the town government.” (link to full report: http://www.shrewsbury-ma.gov/egov/docs/1386773614_430999.pdf).

I encourage residents to take an objective look at the facts and ignore the rhetoric leading up the June 3rd vote. I believe the facts support the override is essential for the future of Shrewsbury. However, that is my conclusion. Make no mistake, this vote will impact every resident of the town for years to come. It’s vital we all let our voices be heard regardless of the conclusion each of us draw. It’s equally vital that the decision is made based upon hard evidence and not signage and propaganda.

For factual information on where the Shrewsbury school system ranks within the state, please review this link: http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/general.aspx?topNavId=1&orgcode=02710000&orgtypecode=5&

Brian Molter