TOWN COUNCIL---MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009
I apologize for missing your past two meetings; I did miss coming to these meetings. WHY? Because I believe there are fundamental questions regarding budgets and spending that run contrary to my personal management beliefs as-well-as the fundamental laws of economics. It is the spending that is killing us.

(1) Why do we have a 7+% increase in the budget each year when the cost of living increase is 2.5%; and at the same time have a $24,000,000 bonding obligation? $24,000,000 and growing.

(2) Why was the sidewalk contract to replace the walk in front of the MOB given to a private contractor when we have a sidewalk crew within the DPW?

(3) Why did we hire a private forestry contractor to pick up fallen branches on Rogers Ave when we have a forestry crew within the DPW?

(4) Why do we have a private contractor, WACHS UTILITY, working the town hydrants when they had been done in the past by the DPW ?

(5) Why did the Mayor evict the Lower Pioneer Valley Planning Commission who were our tenants for some 30 years and who were paying the town some $69,000/ year in rent?

(6) Where is there clearly spelled out a maintenance program for our public buildings and grounds?

(7) Where is the Long Range Plan for commercial and industrial growth for West Springfield –this is the center of rail and vehicular traffic for all of New England?

(8) Why do we have 55 and older retirement community zoning regulations that does not require that club houses and recreation areas for their residents as part of these development?

(9) What is the impact of 55 and older retirement community overlays on our present residential zoning regulations? Is it that the land that is singled out for 55 or older community developments more valuable condo development then as single-family residential development?

(10) “80% of the residents of the 55 and older developments are occupied by West Springfield residents. And the devopment is an asset to the town for the taxes it generates.” Turn the coin over—each of the 80% occupant has sold his home to a family with anywhere from 1-3 children. Where is the financial profit to the Town if the average cost of educating children in our public schools is $7500 each?

(11) The Town Council acts upon the budget forwarded by the Mayor as well as other pressing matters. Where is there an effective counter measure, representing the Taxpayer, for the proposals forwarded by this Administration?

(12) I don’t know if this administration realizes it but we are in the middle of a recession—people in West Springfield have lost their jobs (not Town Employees—we are still hiring), foreclosures are on the increase and the only response by the Administration is we have a shortage of money because the state is going broke. Don’t let this deter you; it is business as usual---we will raise taxes. Are higher real estate taxes the path of least resistance to fiscal stability for West Springfield?

(13) Etc.

This is the first time I have appeared before you and found that I have more questions then answers. Are you part of the problem or are you the solution? What right do I have to ask these questions? I am not an elected official. My right to ask these questions is because I am a TAXPAYER; the fellow who pays your salaries and the bills you create. I challenge you as Councilors, new and old, to focus on and answer these questions.

Victor E. Thomas, 67 Riverview Ave., WS