DUTY, PRIVILEGE, SACRIFICE & HONOR

While this is the traditional weekend when we attend to the graves of loved ones and relatives who have passed on, it really is the National Holiday set aside to remember and Honor those men and women who accepted the responsibility of "defending our country against all enemies foreign and domestic." Does that phrase sound familiar? It should. It is part of every oath of office taken not just by those being sworn into political office, but those who become peace officers (police, sheriff, border patrol, troopers, parole agents, probation officers, FBI, CIA, etc.)as well as those sworn into military service (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard and the Coast Guard).

No longer are this country's enemies located on foreign soil or fighting us from foreign ports. They are right here in this country - and working night and day 24/7 to get into the USA, crossing our borders both legally and illegally. They don't necessarily "look" any different than Americans because Americans can be of any national heritage, any race or have any religious inclination - or no religious inclination. The enemies of our country may - or may not - speak English. In truth, while we used to think of "sleeper agents" as spies put in place years ago by Russia during the Cold War years, or China now in what has become the technology war of computer spies, "sleeper enemies" are now being infiltrated into this country from Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen and other points from that part of the world. They cross the borders of Mexico into Arizona, California, New Mexico, etc. and from Canada into Maine, New York, Washington state, etc.

They can try to explode planes via bombs in their shoes, their underwear, by commandeering planes and then flying them into national landmarks, etc. And they can use places from the west coast to New York to right here in Maine and New England to hide and plan.

Here in our small towns and rural communities we have the same Duty and responsibility to be alert and serve our county as those men and women who wear any one of the uniforms of service of this country. We have the Privilege of living in a country that, for the most part, is free. We can travel from one place to another - from coast to coast - freely without restriction. You can not do that in almost any other place in the world. Travel to France, you turn in your passport when you check into your hotel. You get it back maybe the next day. In the meantime, the French police know where you have registered and have had time to check you out. Don't think you can travel throughout Europe without your passport or be stopped and required to show your Visa (not the credit card) authority to be in the country if you plan to be there for an extended period. Here in the USA, all you need to carry is a valid driver's license or proof of identity with a photo identification.

However, we do have citizens here who work very hard to sneak around even these minor requirements. They insult the Sacrifices that men and women for over three hundred years (300 years) have made to provide these freedoms. They are the employers who "hire" illegal aliens to work in the fields and other day jobs and often pay illegals under the table. And we have American citizens who help illegal aliens get across our border. Anyone who is coming into our country illegally is a threat to our national security. And anyone who helps them, American citizen or not, is a criminal, undermining the very sacrifices our men and women have made to protect our country.

We cannot excuse the illegal alien who claims poverty as the reason for slipping into the country. That individual may be held hostage to the fear of discovery by a watching terrorist and subsequently will do something that will endanger some vital component of this country. Perhaps he/she will be hired illegally to work in some capacity which will enable the terrorist to poison some major waterway, disrupt some important communication system, distract some critical response system while another vital system is destroyed. The phrase "a chain is as strong as its weakest link" can be applied to any employer who hires illegal aliens just as easily.

We all have a Duty to protect our country whether we live right here in Maine or know of illegal activities going on in our area. We have the privilege of living in the USA. We have no right to take the sacrifices of those currently serving or have served in years past for granted.

It really is a matter of Personal and National Honor.

MPBS HOSTS CANDIDATES FOR MAINE GOVERNOR

Friday night I watched a very interesting program on channel 11 (Time Warner cable) - the MPBS channel. Must have been about 9pm. All seven Republican candidates for Governor of Maine were on for a not-quite debate, but an interesting program of positions and ideas none the less. While I have been fairly certain up to now which candidate I was planning to vote for (and not), after that program I am no longer so sure. Yes, there are two I will definitely not vote for, and they did not change my mind. But there were others that have me re-thinking earlier opinions regarding whether they are (or aren't) what the state needs. I will admit that a few came across much better qualified and with better ideas than I have previously heard - and did not sound "political" in the process. Some sounded too rehearsed - and one needed more practice in presenting his ideas if he intends to market his ideas and this state to businesses outside the state.

This election is a lot more important than how many billboards and signs we can see stuck in the lawns and roads along the way.

You readers might want to tune in to the re-runs of the program. Check out http://www.mpbs.net/ for scheduling. The program is also going to be run on public radio.

EINSTEIN & THE UPCOMING JUNE 8TH VOTE

By now residents of Clifton, Eddington and Holden should have received the 2010-2011 Proposed SAD #63 School Budget. This writer hopes every resident and voter will carefully read the pamphlet. The School Board is to be commended in the work it has done over the past several months - with significant help from the Financial Advisory Committee and input from the various town's Selectmen and citizenry. When looking at the Bottom Line, readers will see that the Actual School Budget is $431,265 lower than the 2009-2010 Budget.

Unfortunately, because of the ineptness and irresponsibility of the Maine State Government, the overall cost of the proposed 2010-2011 SAD #63 budget is still 7.13% higher than the 2009-2010 budget. How can this be, one might ask? It comes down to the simple fact that the Legislature would rather fund a myriad of other programs, including 22 welfare programs for individuals who do not even have to be residents of Maine, than pay for public education in this state. Remember this clearly, other states require individuals to prove they are residents of the state BEFORE they can even apply for welfare. Not in Maine.

The Maine Legislature took the Federal Stimulus money, which was to protect public education, to balance its budget. A balanced budget is required in the Maine state constitution. So the Maine Legislature "balanced" its budget by tipping the bill for public education over to the Maine property owner. To be specific - The State of Maine plans to Decrease its public education funding to SAD #63 in 2010-2011 in the amount of $253,751 (a quarter of a million dollars). And it has no problem in collecting a $178,577 "tax penalty" from SAD #63 because the district failed to form a conforming district (no thanks to the late Commissioner Gendron).

Unfortunately, it is in the best interests of the voters and taxpayers to approve this proposed School Budget, even though it is going to cost all property owners a lot more money for only 929 students in the district.

Why? Because to vote this proposed budget down means we will have to live with the 2009-2010 budget (along with the State's 2010-2011 cut and tax penalty) until the School Board comes up with an even lower budget. The 2009-2010 School Budget was HIGHER which means even more money to be raised via taxes. Sound insane? (This is where Einstein comes in, folks.)

Einstein's definition of Insanity is to continue doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result.

The only way we are going to get out of this Insanity, is to vote out every incumbent in the Legislature and to vote in a Republican Governor who will cut government spending and the welfare state Maine has become. This means to vote Ben Pratt out of the House of Representatives. What has Mr. Pratt actually DONE for any of his constituents, really? He failed to even answer the letters sent to him by the Selectmen and individuals practically begging him to attend one of the Financial Planning Committee meetings working on the school budget. He certainly didn't attend the School Board meeting he could have attended after the Legislature ended its session. As for Senator Richard Rosen, he did attend the School Board meeting. He did acknowledge there had been a motion in the Senate to defer the tax penalties for one more year for districts like SAD #63. He did state the motion was defeated. He failed to say he voted to defeat the motion. So much for looking after the welfare of his constituents.

So, when it comes time to vote June 8 - if there is only one name on the Ballot, WRITE IN "Anybody but Pratt/Rosen" (depending on your political registration). It is one way to send a message instead of being a political sheep (and better to show up and vote this way than not to vote at all which only allows the politicans to REALLY ignore you.)

As for the School Budget - Show up at the June 3 meeting at Holbrook Middle School at 7pm if only to say Thank You to the Board for its work. And then Approve the Budget. But when you Vote June 8 and again in November - vote out the incumbents and vote out the political party that has financially ruined this state. NOTHING will change in this state if the voters don't send the message first. Remember, in addition to us property owners getting to pay for both the local and state's share of public education, the Legislature is facing $5 BILLION of mandatory obligations coming due. And this state doesn't have the money to pay those bills either.

This Insanity has got to end NOW.

BEAR IN THE AREA

If you missed the reference in the posting regarding this past Tuesday's Selectmen's meeting, there is a bear in the immediate area. It is attracted to outside bird feeders - destroying the feeders in the process of getting to the seeds. Residents are warned to be careful, especially after dark, and to consider removing bird feeders in order to eliminate "temptation."

Might be a good idea to keep trash containing garbage in sealed containers, as well, and not put any trash out on Thursday nights. The crows are bad enough but a bear might really create more havoc than anyone wants to deal with.

FARMERS' MARKET BEGINS THIS SATURDAY - MAY 22

The Eddington Farmers' Market will begin its summer season this coming Saturday.

It will be held in the parking lot at the Eddington Town Office on Main Road (also known as Route 9) west of the Eddington Store (Citgo Station) and east of Hwy 46. For people driving in from Clifton or Holden, drive east past Rooks Road and continue past the Eddington Post Office and Clewley's Farm Restaurant. The Town Office in on the right (north) side of the road and is a large building which also houses the Eddington Fire Department.

Hours will be from 1pm to 3pm.

ISSUES ON THE JUNE 8TH BALLOT - Bonds & Q. #1

From the Maine Heritage Policy Center (MHPC) News Center:

At a May 18 Bangor press conference, MHPC released a report confirming Maine's pension and retiree health care systems for government employees is underfunded by nearly $5.1 billion-among the highest levels in the country.

The report, "More Bonds? Not with Maine's Ballooning Unfunded Retiree Liabilities," written by Chief Economist Scott Moody, explains that Maine's pension liability as a percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the eight highest in the nation and the second highest in New England.

To resolve this multi-billion dollar burden of unfunded past promises, lawmakers must either cut spending and entitlements benefits, or raise taxes. The report also states that, "Before any new debt is approved, Mainers should insist that legislators deal with these ballooning unfunded retiree liabilities first and foremost."


On the June 8 ballot, Mainers will vote on four bond questions totaling more than $108 million in new debt. Its important Maine voters understand the full scope of Maine's public debt nightmare before heading to the polls.

"Tax Reform" plan an unconstitutional jobs killer (This is Q. #1 on the ballot)

Last week, MHPC held a press conference to release a new study, "Tax Reform Bill is Too Flawed to Become Law," confirming the so-called tax reform plan, Question 1 on the June 8 ballot, burdens Mainers with a net tax increase, and is unconstitutional and would likely be struck down in court.

The study, written by Chief Economist Scott Moody and staff attorney David Crocker, rebukes a series of myths spread by supporters of the tax reform plan (LD 1495):

Myth #1:
LD 1495 will lower the tax burden on Mainers.

Fact:
The tax reform bill is a net tax increase. "Exporting" taxes to tourists is more hope than reality.

LD 1495's supporters assume businesses will pass the cost of higher sales tax onto tourists. This will require businesses to raise prices on all consumers, whether from Maine or from away. Economists William G. Gale and Kim Reuben confirmed this in a July 2006 study, writing, "Broadly speaking, tax exporting is a 'beggar thy neighbor' policy; all localities would be better off in the absence of such policies."

Myth #2:
The income tax rate will fall to 6.5% from 8.5%.

Fact:
The 6.5% income tax rate is an illusion. Most Mainers will pay at an 8% rate, not 6.5%.

The phase-out to the household tax credit, which takes the place of the deductions and exemptions eliminated under LD 1495, actually results in an 8% tax rate for many Maine taxpayers.

Myth #3:
A lower income tax is worth the price of higher sales tax.

Fact:
The sales tax is a small business and jobs killer. Maine needs lower overall taxes, not a tax shift.

The sales tax expansion also taxes business input purchases, leading to "tax pyramiding," which is paying a tax on a tax. For example, a consumer buying a loaf of bread is paying the sales tax for the purchase of the bread, as well as the tax on flour the baker must factor into the pricing of the bread he produces. High compliance costs, particularly among Maine's small businesses, would also require higher prices. Business owners would be forced to either cut staff or reduce wages. For the economy as a whole, this would mean fewer jobs and lower pay.

Myth #4:
LD 1495's limitation of the "household credit" to Maine residents is constitutional.

Fact:
This limitation violates the U.S. Constitution on several counts.

LD 1495 violates the Commerce Clause by burdening interstate commerce by limiting the household credit to Maine residents, creating a tax penalty for out-of-state employees who earn a living in Maine. The tax reform plan violates the Privileges and Immunities Clause because it imposes a higher tax rate on non-residents than it does on residents. The Equal Protection Clause is violated because LD 1495 disadvantages taxpayers who move or return to Maine by preventing them from using the household credit during the first tax year of their residency.

MAY 18 SELECTMEN'S MEETING

The meeting began a bit late because of the discussion of a local bear making its presence known. (!) Seems it is attracted to birdseed containers at a residence on Main Road - not all that far east of the Town Office. The resident was advised by the local Game Warden not to place bird feeders out because the bear(s) like the seeds, too. (What is this world coming to?)

This was the second incident of this nature I heard of this week - the other came with photographs of damage done by the marauder, complete with bent wrought iron poles embedded in cement and twisted hooks from porch braces that (had) supported the bird feeders. This incident, at least, was in New Hampshire while the resident had been here in Bangor over this past weekend.

As if the gray squirrels weren't bad enough is all I can say (other than load the gun and keep it handy).

With the exciting stuff taken care of the meeting was called to order at approximately 6:10pm. Fire Chief Ellis reported that Deputy Chief Kevin Byers is retiring after 19 years and the two live-in students did graduate from EMCC. Appropriate award ceremonies and activities are planned.

The grant program that has allowed Deputy (aka Fire Chief) Ellis to be on duty, in addition to Deputy Darren, and take on special patrol assignments will be ending in June. During Deputy Darren's report, he noted that Deputy Ellis has been a High Profile in the Eddington Elementary School parking lot during school hours and other places of focus which has been noticed around town. Deputy Darren noted that Eddington is not only a "quiet town" but it has several residents with various law enforcement backgrounds who look out for their neighbors which helps keep things safe and those law enforcements agencies on duty well notified. (Now, if we could just get that bear to shoo.)

The Planning Committee is in the process of upgrading the proposed Zoning and Subdivision map and related Ordinances. There will be a Special Town Meeting at some point in the future to approve both documents; however, the Town Manager thinks it might be a good idea to hold a few more Public Hearings before the Town Meeting just to give residents a chance to become informed. Maybe it would be helpful to hold some of those Public Hearings while the Summer Residents are here since they, too, will be effected - even if they're not allowed to vote. Of course, since Summer Residents pay full price on their property taxes it seems only fair they have some kind of voice & vote on such matters. And wait until they get their bill for 2010-2011!

Ron Harriman had been invited to address the Selectmen regarding the issue of Economic Development for the town. He was not aware of the work of the Planning Committee on the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, but was provided with copies of the current Draft documents for his review. He was asked to look at them from the perspective of how they might impact any future economic development potential for the town. Several ideas were shared back and forth with the Selectmen. It does appear that a small committee of five individuals will be formed that will involved at least one member from the Planning Committee to explore ideas. Let's face it, if the State Legislature continues its current track of passing down its financial responsibilities for public education to local property owners, this town needs to find more ways to expand the tax base.

The liquor license for Clewley Farm Restaurant was signed. And there was some general discussion regarding Gregory Boober's concern pertaining to how the Merrill Road ditch impacts his property when it rains. No action appeared necessary on the Board's part.

The Farmers' Market will begin this season effective this coming Saturday - May 22. The Farmers' Market will be held each Saturday from 1pm to 3pm.

There was no School Board Report per se since Representative Karen Clark was not in attendance; however, this writer believes the Town Manager reported he was at Monday's School Board meeting. He did state it was his understanding the Board made a few more cuts in the proposed 2010-2011 budget which will come before the people for votes on both June 3 (at the Holbrook Middle School at 7pm) and June 8 as part of the state primary elections - voting to be at the Town Office from 8am to 8pm.

At the moment, while the Warrant that was signed at the School Board left some questions with the Selectmen as to consistency between certain parts, the following appears to be the Bottom Tax Line:

A. The current allocation designated to Eddington taxpayers will necessitate a 1.5 mill increase in property taxes,

B. This will translate to $150.00 per $100,000.00 in assessed property value.

C. There will also be a $32.00 increase in property taxes for those who have been receiving the Homestead exemption because the Legislature reduced the exemption from $13,000.00 to $10,000.00.

Now, here's the kicker, as far as the School Budget is concerned:

Residents and elected representatives from all three towns in the school district have agreed that a 9% increase in the school budget is outrageous and unacceptable. And it is.

A close look at the proposed 2010-2011 budget clearly shows a lower Bottom Line Total than the Total for last year (2009-2010).

The entire 9% increase is because of the state's FURTHER reduction in its allocation of state funding toward public education, because the state legislature took federal stimulus money INTENDED for public education and allocated it to other state priorities, AND because of the $180,000 tax penalty being assessed to the district because it did not consolidate with any other school district. And the state is taking no responsibility for the State Commissioner of Education sitting on her hands (and whatever else) for five months when Orrington and Dedham were petitioning to become a separate RSU even though (1)they did not meet the state requirements for an RSU, and (2) a representative from the Commissioner's Office had been present when those towns had agreed to consolidate with SAD 63.)

Finally, IF this proposed 2010-2011 budget is voted down by the taxpayers, the district will have to work with last year's budget until they come up with a budget the voters do approve. In the meantime the state will still be cutting their fundings and still be levying the tax penalty - all of which will cost more than the proposed budget.
****
Commentary:
What the state legislature is forcing our towns to do is one of three things:

1. Cut more teachers and school programs and sacrifice the education of the children, or

2. Bankrupt our property owners and taxpayers, or

3. Vote out every single incumbent - regardless of political party.

Yes, the Maine Democrat Party over the past 34 years has driven this state into a hole of financial ruin - BUT - Senator Richard Rosen, a Republican, is the elected representative of this community. Senator Rosen has taken no notice of what his constituents have been going through or the consequences being faced by his vote NOT to defer the tax penalty. He is running for his last term [because of term limits]. Maybe we need to send a message that since he wasn't serving the people who sent him to the State Senate, he shouldn't serve another term.

Ask yourself, of our two representatives - Ben Pratt in the House, and Richard Rosen in the Senate - have either one ever DIRECTLY contacted you? Ever held Office hours in the home towns they represent? Ever held local meetings to hear directly from their constituents - except to show up at a caucus to ask for your signature or financial contribution? If the answer is NO to two out of three of those questions, what makes you think they are representing you? How are they EARNING the taxpayer paid salary and benefits they are receiving in Augusta?

You can answer these questions when you vote June 8.

EDDINGTON FARMERS' MARKET IN COMING

This year's Farmers' Market will be starting up soon. It will be held on Saturday mornings this year - still at the Eddington Town Office. I know Virginia Doyle will be selling garden plants again this year. Her plants from last year are doing gloriously in my gardens this year.

8th GRADERS CAR WASH SATURDAY IN EDDINGTON

Presuming they don't get washed out by rain, the 8th graders will be conducting a Car Wash tomorrow morning at the Eddington Town Office. Proceeds are for their graduation trip to Funtown.

THE SAD63 PUBLIC HEARING RESULTS FROM MAY 12

There was Good News and there was definitely Bad News.

The Good News:

Seems that parents at the last School Board meeting were able to convince the Board not to eliminate the two teachers' positions previously proposed which will keep the class sizes at the current size. And one teacher spoke up last night in appreciation of that action. She said that while she could (and has in the past) conduct classes with 25-30 students, the quality of the education the students would receive would not be the same, nor would the students pass on to the next grade with as much knowledge as they would if the teachers have the smaller size.

She also stated she hasn't seen much of a property tax increase in recent years so I'd like to share my $300.00 increase in three years with her. (And I remember when the class sizes I and my brothers were in were 30 students - and we all achieved excellent public school educations and went on to complete college and post grad degrees. But that was 50 years ago and maybe the teachers were better in those days, or the students better behaved or the parents did a better job of supervising homework or something. Who knows.) Of course, that was in the Bangor School District.

*It was noted that ALL salaries & wages for ALL employees of the District have been frozen at the 2009/2010 levels.

*The health insurance premiums will increase by 2% for the 2010-2011 budget year.

*There are an estimated 315 students who will be attending high school next year. It is estimated there will be an 8% increase in the annual tuition rate at Brewer High School and a 5% increase to John Bapst Memorial High School.

*Last night was NOT the night those in attendance got to vote on the proposed budget. That will happen on both June 3 (at the Holbrook Middle School) and then June 8th at the respective Town Offices along with the various primary elections. As it stands right now - unless the School Board makes additional changes at next Monday night's Board meeting, the Budget Analysis for the various categories of the budget stand as follows:

Regular Instruction - Grades Pre k-8:
Budget 2009-2010 = $2,630,882
Proposed Budget 2010-2011 = $2,600,390
Proposed Increase (Decrease) Totals a ($30,492)

Regular Instruction Grades 9-12
Budget 2009/2010 = $2,620,245
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $2,710,541
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = $90,296

TOTAL REGULAR INSTRUCTION - PRE K - 12
Budget 2009-2010 = $5,251,127
Proposed Budget 2010-2011 = $5,310,931
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = $59,804
Percentage Increase = 1.14%

Student & Staff Support
Guidance & Nurse Services
Budget 2009/2010 = $175,351
Proposed Budget 2010-2011 = $188,890
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = $13,539

Library
Budget 2009/2010 = $24,612
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $21,883
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($2,729)

Technology Support
Budget 2009/2010 = $167,425
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $159,105
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($8,320)

Staff Development & Assessments
Budget 2009/2010 = $58,115
Proposed 2010/2011 = $46,800
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($11,315)

OVERALL STUDENT & STAFF SUPPORT
Budget 2009/2010 = $425,503
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $416,678
Proposed Budget Increase (Decrease) = ($8,825)
Percentage Increase (Decrease) = (2.07%)

Special Education - Resource Room
Budget 2009/2010 = $452,181
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $410,800
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = (41,381)

Self-Contained Room
Budget 2009/2010 = $192,962
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $166,536
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($26,426)

Special Ed. Tuition
Budget 2009/2010 = $332,066
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $287,726
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($44,340)

Hospital/Home Instruction
Budget 2009/2010 = $16,215
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $5,128
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = $11,067

Director's Office
Budget 2009/2010 = $98,540
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $97,300
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($1,240)

Speech Therapy
Budget 2009/2010 = $97,785
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $98,219
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = $434

Summer Tutoring
Budget 2009/2010 = $4,000
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $1,680
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($2,320)

TOTAL SPECIAL EDUCATION:
Budget 2009/2010 = $1,193,749
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $1,067,389
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($126,360)
Percentage Increase (Decrease) = (10.59%)

Facilities Maintenance
Budget 2009/2010 = $718,757
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $697,512
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($21,245)
Percentage Increase (Decrease) = (2.96%)

Transportation & Buses
Budget 2009/2010 = $596,708
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $550,650
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($46,058)
Percentage Increase (Decrease) = (7.72%)

System Administration
Board of Directors
Budget 2009/2010 = $36,792
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $30,732
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($6,060)

Superintendent's Office
Budget 2009/2010 = $118,330
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $96,864
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($21,466)

Central Services
Budget 2009/2010 = $132,884
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $123,966
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($8,918)

TOTAL SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION
Budget 2009/2010 = $288,006
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $251,562
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($36,444)
Percentage Increase (Decrease) = (12.65%)**

** decrease due to reduction in salary to new Interim Superintendent, payroll services to be brought into Central Office instead of being contracted out, and reduction of part-time bookkeeper services.

School Administration
Budget 2009/2010 = $392,542
Proposed Budget 2010-2011 = $381,312
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($11,230)
Percentage Increase Decrease) = 2.86%)

Other Instruction
(Co-Curricular & Coaching Stipends/Benefits)
Budget 2009/2010 = $45,091
Proposed 2010/2011 = $34,897
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($10,194)
Percentage Increase (Decrease) = (22.61%)

Career & Technical Education
Tuition paid to UTC - grades 9-12
Budget 2009/2010 = $197,645
Proposed Budget 2010-2011 = $152,401
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($45,243)
Percentage Increase (Decrease) = 32.51%)

Debt Service
Budget 2009/2010 = $224,243
Proposed Budget 2010-2011 = $151,344
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($72,899)
Percentage Increase (Decrease) = (32.51%) **

** 2010/2011 will be the final payment on the Holbrook Middle School Wing Bond

Other Expenditures
Adult Diploma Programs, UTC Adult Assessments, School Lunch Appropriation, Other cost, Contingency Fund
Budget 2009/2010 = $58,094
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $27,404
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($30,690)
Percentage Increase (Decrease) = (52.84%)

TOTAL PROPOSED DISTRICT PROPOSED BUDGET
Budget 2009/2010 = $9,391,465
Proposed Budget 2010/2011 = $9,042,081
Proposed Increase (Decrease) = ($349,384)
Percentage Increase (Decrease) = (3.72%)

And that's the GOOD News.

BUT - Here's the BAD NEWS...

EPS Funding Cuts:

" In an effort to balance the State Budget for the coming fiscal year, the Federal ARRA Stabilization Funds (the stimulus money from Washington, D.C.) initially earmarked for education have been used by the State of Maine to off-set shortfalls in the State revenue projections for 2010-2011.

"The District's total subsidy reduction related to the State of Maine Funding cuts for 2010-2011 is $223,771.

"In addition to the reduction in State Subsidy related to the Stabilization Funds noted above, the District's penalty for failure to form a conforming RSU in 2010-2011 in $178,577.**

"The breakdown of this penalty by community is as follows:
Clifton = $25,873
Eddington = $56,262
Holden = $96,442

** This writer DID ask for an explanation of why the penalty went from $167,000 last year to the current $178,577. The explanation was that the State of Maine has increased the valuation of the properties in our three towns since last year. (Seems Augusta thinks our homes are more valuable - for taxation purposes... No comment.)

THEREFORE - how will this proposed school budget break down as to future local "contributions" to fund the local public education provided by SAD 63?

Proposed Total "Draft" Budgeted Costs of the 2010/2011 = $9,042,081

LESS:
Projected 2010-2011 Interest Income of $5,000 = $9,037,081
State of Maine Enacted Funding Level per ED279 dated 3/22/10 = $4,478,381
Federal ARRA Stabilization Funds per ED279 dated 3/22/10 = $253,751
Total 2010-2011 Proposed Local Funds = $4,304,949

2010-2011 - Proposed Local Funds = $4,304,949
2009/2010 - Approved Local Funds = $3,941,995

Total Proposed 2010-2011 - Local Funding Increase = $362,954 (ALL because of Maine State Government - this writer's inset)

REQUIRED LOCAL CONTRIBUTION by Town:
Town of Clifton: Allocation = $624,656
Town of Eddington: Allocation = $1,360,396
Town of Holden: Allocation = $2,319,897

Percentage Increase by Town:
Town of Clifton: 11.80%
Town of Eddington: 12.52%**
Town of Holden: 6.70%

** This is the part most interesting - because Eddington property has received a higher valuation in the last year (that Holden? with all of Holden's businesses?). I had an interesting discussion with Eddington's Town Manager regarding this this morning and he was at the meeting last night. This is an issue he plans to investigate further.)

So people, if you like the idea that the TOTAL proposed BUDGET is 9.21% higher than last year's, even if it is Thanks to the Maine State Government, and you are willing (and able) to pay the corresponding higher property taxes, go right ahead and approve this budget - or don't vote at all on June 3 at Holbrook Middle School or June 8 at your Town Office.

Otherwise, you might want to vote a NO on those dates - AND you might want to vote out every single incumbent in the state Legislature and vote in some candidates who will put public education and lower property taxes FIRST on their list of the state's funding priorities.

BDN reports on SAD 63 PUBLIC HEARING

According to the May 12 issue of the Bangor Daily News:

SAD 63 residents to vote on budget
Increase in property taxes expected
5/12/10
By Nok-Noi Ricker
BDN Staff

HOLDEN, Maine — The SAD 63 budget for next year is less than this year’s, but the amount residents in the district’s three towns will pay is still increasing, school board Chairwoman Therese Anderson said Tuesday.

“Our last budget and finance meeting to go over any changes is” 5:30 p.m. today, she said. “We’re still trying to find savings.”

The annual budget hearing begins at 7 p.m. at Holbrook Middle School. The nearly $9 million budget for fiscal year 2010-11 must be approved by residents at tonight’s meeting and again at the budget referendum, scheduled for early June.

“If the budget is passed as it stands right now, there will be an increase in property taxes for all three towns” in the district, Anderson said.

SAD 63 comprises Holden, Eddington and Clifton.

“We’ve made cuts,” Anderson said, adding that those cuts have been offset by decreases in state funding, penalties for not consolidating, and settlement of a multicount lawsuit with fired Superintendent Louise Regan.

“When we started out the deficit was about $800,000,” Anderson said. “The state really nailed us this year. We’ve done a lot of refiguring and cutting and really working the budget.”

The state decreased the amount it will pay for education by around $145,000, the settlement with Regan is costing taxpayers a one-time payment of $125,000, and the estimated penalty for not consolidating is $178,000, she said.

“That’s a huge chunk,” Anderson said of the penalty. “That is a huge strain on the budget. That’s more than three teachers for us.”

The school department is “trying to appeal to the new commissioner [to drop the penalty],” she said. “We are doing our best … but we really have not had any success working with the potential partners.”

The school district was successful in getting the school consolidation penalty dropped last year.

The good news is that no teaching positions have been cut under the draft budget, though some education technicians positions will be eliminated, and all salaries have been frozen, she said.

There also are some proposed bus route changes, and school officials are considering adding a week of vacation at the end of December in order to save on heating and operation costs.

The cuts are “a lot of little things,” Anderson said. “There aren’t a lot of big things.”

This year’s fiscal year 2009-10 budget was $9,388,372, and residents in the three towns paid around $4,191,710. The proposed figures for the budget will be made final during tonight’s budget meeting and will be presented to residents at the budget hearing later that night, Anderson said.

“It’s hard for everybody right now,” she said. “This year is difficult, and next year, possibly, is going to be difficult as well.”

SAD 63 PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED 2010-2011 SCHOOL BUDGET

Wednesday night (May 12) at 5:30pm there will be a Budget and Finance Committee meeting at the HOLBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL. The meeting will be held in the room off the library on the second floor. It will be interesting to see how many people show up and how much detail is provided (and discussed) in the monthly Financial Statement provided by the district's Business Manager and the three-person BFC. Details are not the strong points of these meetings.

AT 7PM, IN THE GYMNASIUM, THE PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE CONDUCTED at which the proposed 2010-2011 budget will be reviewed. We can expect to hear that:

1. Teachers have agreed to at least a one-year contract with no increases in salaries or wages,

2. Dave Anderson, Principal at Holden Elementary School, will be the Interim Superintendent effective July 1, at an annual compensation of $15,000 plus probable expenses.

3. Two elementary teacher positions will be eliminated.

4. Three Special Education tech positions will be eliminated.

5. One-hour of maintenance/custodial services will be eliminated from Central Services.

6. Fourth-graders from Eddington Elementary School and Holden Elementary School will be combined into one class at Holbrook Middle School.

7. Prior to leaving her position as State Commissioner of Education, Susan Gendron approved the application from Orrington and Dedham to form their own RSU, leaving SAD 63 without any consolidation options and a tax penalty bill of $180,000.

8. The Business Manager's current contract that expires June 30, 2010 (at an annual cost of $75,000 plus full medical benefits) will be extended without any reduction in costs.

9. No cuts or reductions will take place in the part-time bookkeeper position in Central Services.

10. With the exception of the Business Manager and Bookkeeper, any contracts that were up for renewal effective July 1, 2010 have been negotiated at no increase in salaries or wages or benefits.

11. The property owners living in the towns of Eddington and Clifton and Holden can expect tax rates to increase between 1 and 4 mills.

And this is just the beginning, according to State Senator Richard Rosen and outgoing Interim Superintendent Ray Hart... Maybe it would be a good idea if the voters of this school district attend Wednesday night's meeting to get an idea of what next year will be like. Just remember, this is for fewer than 1,000 students and the budget has already gone up over $800,000. in the last two years.

ODDS AND ENDS FOR ENTERTAINMENT & NEWS

Check out www.katahdinlights.blogspot.com for a great lesson and picture show on preparing for a Maine source of natural heat. Deb has outdone herself this time.

Although it was not listed in the Eddington School Newsletter, BE SURE TO MARK your calendar for this coming Wednesday - May 12 - for the Public Hearing regarding the proposed 2010-2011 SAD 63 school budget. Even if the weather is less than perfect, voters need to attend this meeting because the results will determine the bottom line in your property tax bill later in the fall.

The SAD 63 website is another source of news - www.sad63.net.

MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND

This Mother's Day started out early with flowers from my daughter delivered by Fed Ex delivered Friday. LOVE Fed Ex. They are so dependable and the one constant delivery source for flowers from PROFlowers.com. Of course I had to call my daughter to Thank her and the call was a great "Catch-Up" in advance of her arrival with the boys in just one month for a visit before their next deployment overseas. Two-plus years will be a long time and the boys will be 10 and 12 (or older) before I'll see them again - older before their Maine/Mass. cousins get to see them again. So we'll have to make this coming time together packed with memories and FAMILY.

Then, Mother's Day continued today with another FedEx delivery from my son - a dozen HUGE strawberries and chocolate dipping sauce from Sherri's Berries. He sent them as substitutes for kisses and hugs and, while they are delicious, kisses and hugs from my wonderful son (and an exceedingly patient, single parent dad) can never be matched. :-) Hopefully he, too, will be here sometime later on this summer. As a result, I am hoping God is sending Maine's portion of rain now and not all summer long like the last two summers. This year it would be nice to actually have a summer.

BTW, if any of you are experiencing the early arrival of carpenter ants - or are looking for a really good pest control company, I have to whole-heartedly endorse the commercial and residential services provided by Maine Pest Solutions in Brewer. Tel #: (207) 944-8385. Prices are better than reasonable and the chemicals they use are totally effective (or the company will come back for no extra charge). Joe Deshane has provided their services for several homes here that at shoreline residences and appreciates the environmental concerns, pets, children, etc. Great products - great services - great prices. What more can anyone ask for? Nothing.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Gretchen Haldeman - who isn't Gretchen Haldeman any longer. One would have thought all those cars parked at the Eddington Elementary School Tuesday night were overflow parking for Gretchen's wedding. (It was really the Spring concert at the school.) And then there was the Public Hearing down at the Town Office. For sure, the wedding was literally the "topping" on the cake.

Best Wishes to the Bride and Groom.

ZONING ORDINANCES PUBLIC HEARING MAY 4TH

The Public Hearing this past Tuesday was very interesting. More people would be interested in the proposed zoning ordinances if they realized the ordinances being proposed will not apply just to any future development tracts. They will apply to all areas within the Town of Eddington once approved.

If I understand correctly, once the Planning Committee finalizes the drafted ordinances (meaning goes back and reviews the comments made at the two Public Hearings and any feedback by the Board of Selectmen and the town's Code Enforcement Officer), these Zoning Ordinances will have to be presented for a final vote at a Town Meeting.

If ever there is a time when the residents of this town need to get copies of the proposed ordinances AND A MAP of where these ordinances will apply, AND THEN SHOW UP FOR THE VOTE, this will be one of those times.

There is a lot of good work and thought that has been put in to these ordinances. But people who own residential properties, or lots for which they have plans, need to see how these ordinances will be impacted. And if you will be impacted in ways you may not like after the ordinances are (probably) approved, you better get your permits now, rather than later. Because "later" may be too late.

One thing I do think - even summer residents should be able to vote on some of these measures - or at least have the opportunity to speak, because these ordinances allow Cottage Industries to exist right next door to residential properties and I'm not too sure how people might feel about that once the definition of Cottage Industries will be understood - especially since the current map being used provides no footnote regarding any caveat pertaining to Shoreland Zoning (even though there was "reference" to that during the discussion at the meeting).

But if someone buys a piece of property within the Shoreland zoning area, not knowing about Shoreland zoning, and goes to the town office and simply asks for the town's zoning ordinances....where is the "Oh, BTW" clause. At the moment, properties along the shoreline at Davis Pond are shown in a "Mixed Use District" - not so good.

Check in at the Town Office and get your copies of the Map and Draft Sub-Division and Zoning Ordinances soon. And then READ THEM.

SCHOOL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING - MAY 12

Wednesday, May 12 is the date scheduled for the SAD 63 Public Hearing for the proposed 2010-2011 School Budget. It will be held at the Eddington School. Last I heard it was scheduled to begin at 5:30pm. Unless that time was changed at the School Board meeting last Monday, which this writer missed unfortunately, 5:30PM should prove to be an interesting time to see how many people show up.

A conversation with someone from Holden the other day was "enlightening" when the subject of the Business Manager's position came up. This person, I'll call her "X" felt the reason why the Board hasn't attempted to recruit a replacement for Ms. Mitchell, whose $75,000 contract expires June 30, 2010, is that the new Interim Superintendent, Dave Anderson, doesn't know anything about the business office or budget. Which begs the question as to how he is going to supervise her or that office, the budget, the expenditures, etc? And anyone who has been in the room when any kind of question has been directed to Mitchell knows the antagonistic response - and lack of detailed information anyone has ever requested (or has a right to receive).

Members of the School Board certainly do not know in any consistent detail how the money is spent.

Members of the School Board certainly do not require detailed monthly Financial Reports - nor do they review, in any detail, the Financial Reports they do receive.

Members of the School Board certainly do not verify the Business Manager actually works in the Business Office 40 hours a week.

Members of the School Board do not even appear to expect the Business Manager to verify the data she puts in the annual projected budget (as shown by her own admission of the error in the salaries and wages in the 2009-2010 Maintenance Workers which is why the new budget shows an increase).

The Business Manager's contract that expires June 30, 2010 provides (1) more paid vacation than many department heads who have been with the district longer than she has, (2) more paid health insurance than the principals, and (3) even a higher salary than one principal (and principals supervise many teachers while the BM supervises, at best, two people).

While the teachers, students and taxpayers are going to experience significant financial sacrifices for the coming year, under the proposed budget, there are NO proposed financial sacrifices for the Business Manager (other than no more $5,000.00 annual bonus AFTER June 30, 2010) or Central Services Office. Talk about the tail wagging the dog.

While Eddington's Board of Selectmen found cuts to the town budget to keep the property taxes close to last year's level, the School Board (aka the Business Manager) with significant help from the Financial Advisory Board (aka CITIZENS) cut a proposed $800,000 increase to an increase close to $300,000. (With no cut in the new contract for the Business Manager or her part-time bookkeeper because Hart wouldn't hear of it!).

Bangor School District is reporting a 1 percent increase. SAD 63 is talking about maybe 7 percent. Looks like a NO vote may be in order come May 12 and then again in June. It's time the Dog barked loud and clear.

MAY 4TH PUBLIC HEARING ON ZONING ORDINANCES

This coming Tuesday, May 4th, will be the second and last Public Hearing on proposed zoning ordinances for sub-divisions. The Public Hearing will be at the Town Office. While the Public Hearing last week was scheduled for 6:30, it followed the Selectmen's meeting which always starts PROMPTY at 6pm. There is no regular Selectmen's meeting on this coming Tuesday so people might want to arrive by 6pm for the Public Hearing "just in case."

PENOBSCOT RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT

Laura Rose Day and an associate provided an update on the Penobscot River Restoration Project at the April 20th meeting of the Board of Selectmen. The Project is currently working on obtaining Federal Permits to remove the Great Works Dam, the Howland Dam, and the Veazie Dam. The permits are expected to be awarded and then local permits will be sought.

The plan is to remove the Great Works Dam first. The Veazie Dam is a hydro dam and will be kept in operation until 2012-2013. There is another group to which all the remaining dams have been sold and they will/have been granted authority to generate increased hydro-generating power to off-set that which will be lost once the Veazie Dam is taken down.

The purpose of removing the dams in to increase the natural flow and reproduction of fish that once were natural to the area and have been negatively impacted by the dams.