To the editor:

When I was young living at home in the early 1970’s, I remember my Dad losing his job because the factory he worked in closed. The economy was in recession, making jobs scarce. My dad worked two jobs to make ends meet, while my mom sold Tupperware and Avon, holding parties around town. The annual vacation was canceled as my Mom balanced the books. The bills were paid, food on the table, and we still had Christmas.

My Mom taught me to be fiscally prudent, not cheap, but conservative with money. Always pay the bills first and put some away for a rainy day. So for most of my life I have lived by her teachings, trying to live within my means.

My time in town government has shown me that this town is way over its head with $20 million in needed infrastructure repairs. The school committee will be asking for a bond to fix their buildings, and the town-side needs roofs repaired along with paving. There are numerous things that need repair or replacement that won't be addressed this year, only the highest priority. In addition we need ambulances, fire trucks, police cars and a whole lot of small equipment replaced. Same in the schools with computers and such.

I started this letter telling you about my upbringing because I think it applies. When I watched the previous town council buy the gas station without approval of the taxpayers I objected. I was told it would not cost the town anything, and grants will pay for the project. I knew better, and with good reason, because we all know 99 percent of the grants require a match of dollars. We can't even maintain the parks we have now and they want to add more?  

The plan now is to use public works to rebuild the beach.  Keep in mind we just heard the public works director tell the council that they can't keep up with the workload they have now.   So who will fill potholes and clean catch basins?

I say it's time to cut back to a level the town can afford. The liberal spending by some has caused grief to us all.  It's time to get our fiscal house in order.

Joe Sousa

Member, Tiverton Town Councul