Editor:

Does anyone else in Kennebunk “get” the apparent disconnect between financial reality, and the wish-lists at both Kennebunk Town Hall, and the Central Offices at SAD 71?

On both budgets, we’ve heard nothing but moaning and complaining about “no money to be had.” Still, there are unnecessary spending proposals made by both town and school for next year’s budgets.

The town has proposed more expensive “studies” that aren’t needed, as well as miles of new brick sidewalks for the downtown area. Meanwhile, they’re mulching downtown, instead of filling the horrendous potholes in our roads all over town.

 As for the school district, we’ve seen the same old request for salary increases, but a complete failure to optimize revenues, either  by instituting reasonable user fees, or closing a school that could save us $450K per year.

 Both have failed to require any additional employee contributions for their expensive health benefits. Both pay 10 percent – how many of us can say the same?

 So, it’s the “same old, same old” – they want us to tighten our belts until we’re cut in two, but their own “wish lists” continue on as if the dollars were still flowing without ceasing.

In other words, just a seeming lack of governmental oversight and plain, common sense.

By way of contrast – in hard times, what does the average, intelligent family householder do?

We cut down on the frills, and the unnecessary spending. No more doughnut runs Sunday morning; no more movie outings Saturday night. No more dining out on Friday nights.

Why is it that “Government” (the capital letter being purposeful) doesn’t seem to “get” the same need for belt-tightening in hard times? Is it simply because it’s *OPM* with which they operate? (Other Peoples’ Money).

It’s not just the “poor” that are suffering these days – folks in our towns who used to consider themselves middle-class, and comfortable, are no longer in that economic strata. Those folks are now ALSO the “working poor.”

 Fuel, energy, food, and every other kind of cost increase has wreaked havoc on the average income for most everyone.

What’s going undone? Dental cleanings, car repairs, clothing purchases, eyeglasses, medications, along with purchases of cheaper, less healthy foods – anything to save a dollar.

What is the eventual outcome of such “benign” poverty? Not a pretty picture, for many.

 And, yet – still we get the proposals for new brick sidewalks downtown; and an outright refusal to close a school, or institute nominal student user fees that would ease the burden on the average, hardworking family in our communities.

Can someone tell me, please – “Why?” Where’s the leadership? Where’s the responsible oversight from those we’ve elected to lead us, and to guide us?

Who can “mend” this essential disconnect between the wish-lists of Government, and the plain, cold, hard financial reality for the average citizen?

 I wish I knew.

Naran Row-Spaulding

Kennebunk