Why we're running as the Team for Responsible Finance

            We’re running as the Team for Responsible Finance to make Weston’s budget process more responsive to the needs, priorities and economic challenges of Weston’s residents. 

            Recently, most Board of Finance members have ignored the preferences of the overwhelming majority of a vocal public.  Despite increasingly tight budgets submitted by the Board of Education, the BOF has continued to criticize and recommend specific spending cuts, while at the same time attempting to force unproven and expensive changes into Weston’s teaching protocol. The Board of Finance should determine affordability, not dictate education policy.

            The careful budget constraints adopted during the severe economic downturn have resulted in Weston’s having the lowest five-year tax growth and lowest growth in education spending among our neighboring towns.  While these extreme measures were prudent during the most difficult of financial conditions, we cannot expect our town and “Blue Ribbon” schools to thrive long term in the continued state of austerity threatened by the current Board of Finance.  We must minimize spending without sacrificing the services that Weston values most highly.

                The Board of Finance should work cooperatively with other Boards to better identify where Weston’s taxes should best be spent and what is less critical for the vitality of our schools and town.  Collaboratively, we can create a thoughtful capital plan that meets and prioritizes Weston’s long term space needs.  

     The Team for Responsible Finance will strive to maintain a rapport with Weston’s leadership and residents, which will enable us to bring in budgets that have been carefully analyzed to fulfill Weston’s current and future needs, while paying close attention to  economic realities.