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| Colchester High School Graduation |
As a Colchester School Board member, I attended the Colchester High School graduation last Saturday. A picture-perfect summer day in Vermont. Student speeches by Megan Lagerquist and Jacob Dell were impressive; well thought-out and well delivered. These students are neither naive nor cynical, showing instead a guarded optimism toward the future. Retiring Assistant Principal Tim Emery’s speech reminded me again of the dedication and sincere commitment to educating Colchester’s youth that so many of the district’s teachers and administrators evidence. Colchester is indeed a great place to live and raise children.
What has happened in Montpelier since that CHS graduation? You tell me. I hammered out this article last Sunday morning. On Tuesday the legislature met, but I have no idea what happened. It hasn’t happened yet. The governor vetoed the General Assembly’s compromise budget. Word is that there will be a veto over-ride vote on Tuesday? Was there? If so and it passed, several Republicans have voted against their governor; a hard thing to do. If an over-ride failed, we are still without a budget and closer yet to July 1st and a government shutdown. Concerned Vermonters are either relieved or biting their nails. If you’re curious about what happened, go to the Special Session page of my website: CT4VT.com. I’ll update that before you have a chance to read this.
After the graduation exercise I stopped in at a neighbor’s graduate reception. In the shade of a backyard tent, neighbors talked, laughed, and ate a fine dinner of salads and grilled meats. Several high school students tossed frisbees. Our neighbor’s daughter is going on to college. I did the same at that age. It was not until after college that I turned to being a farm hand and sawmill worker. Depending on her resources, she may have the freedom I had to sample many occupations. Or she may be faced with the burdens of student loans, health insurance, and the lack of affordable housing. When I left the reception the grad’s father called after me with a smile, “Just keep my taxes low.” I replied that I am trying.
Back to the future. I, no doubt, voted to over-ride the governor’s veto. Yes, the result will probably be a tax increase. For Colchester that’s true regardless of how I voted. No, I did not ignore my neighbor’s call. The best way to keep taxes low, or reduce them, is to make careful and responsible long-term financial decisions. A surprise gift, like a graduation card with a check enclosed, should be used to reduce future on-going expenses; one-time money to reduce the state’s pension obligations. I trust Colchester High School graduates will not learn that the hard way.
