The size of our Amherst schools budget is set by Town Meeting. We need more parents to represent our community in Town Meeting so that rational short and long term decisions can be made that will support our schools and a family-friendly Amherst.
I know, I know, who has the time? That's why families are not well represented in Town Meeting, we're busy with kids, families, jobs! But the commitment is not as large as you think - only about 14 nights per year from 7:30pm to 10pm. And you don't need to attend *every* night - you can skip the "feel-good" nights where impeachment and Iran are being discussed. 14 nights per year - really not that much to help make Amherst a more sustainable town that continues to be friendly to families. You probably spend that much time watching PBS reruns about English Queens!
There are lots of good folks already there. We recruited and elected over 70 parents the last 2 years. And it showed - this year for the first time, Town Meeting passed a series of positive zoning changes that will enable the kind of economic development our town needs to fund the schools. But the majority is slim, and the NIMBY contingents are actively recruiting people to run for Town Meeting to stop any new revenue development in town.
More information on Town Meeting here: http://www.amherstma.gov/town_meeting.asp
Amherst's families really need you. All you have to do is go down to the Town Clerk's office in Town Hall before Tuesday Feb. 12th and sign your papers. We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have, just email or call!
Thanks, Baer Tierkel (baer@sweetmojo.com)
Andy Churchill (achurchill@educ.umass.edu)
Clare Bertrand (clare@comcast.net)
