Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

I understand that the Gray Town Council is considering eliminating the annual Saturday budget marathon. I admit to being one of the few members of the public who attend these sessions each year. However, I find it more valuable, and a better use of my own time, than attending a long series of shorter public sessions.

Listening to the explanations of the budget details by the department heads, and listening to the question and answer sessions between these staff members and the Council, is highly informative to me as a taxpayer. I have also seen the efficient way at which Council members have an opportunity to use spreadsheets to adjust or meet fiscal goals while in direct, creative discussions with the department heads during this all-day session. I believe that working only with the Manager would reduce these opportunities for budget creativity.

The all-day, open budget discussions with the department heads give me confidence that the public, the media and the Council are fully informed and responsible for the details and options available as the Council prepares a budget for approval by the people.

Mark D. Grover, Gray

To the Editor:

Elizabeth, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the great article you did in this issue of The Monument about our school. ["School of Thought," 9-29-05] Although it is an historical asset of the town, the school does not yet enjoy an identity and is in fact largely unknown to the populace of the town. Through this article you have reached so many with our message. In short, if the people of Gray didn't know we were there before today, they sure do now.

Thanks again. Hope you won't be a stranger to our school and future events.

Bob Quigley
Dry Mill School Committee