Editor,

Recently, Windham’s finance director Brian Wolcott was quoted as saying that there are three options for dealing with Windham’s projected $328,000 budget shortfall for fiscal year 2009, which runs from early July 2008 to June 2009.

The three options were: 1. Cut spending (programs and services). 2. Urge citizens to approve a property tax that exceeds LD-1 (raise your property taxes). 3. Or a combination of both.

This approach is about as creative as a vanilla wafer. Given Brian is our finance director, I understand that he is more of the messenger here, so my message is directed more toward town leaders who can directly impact the way the town operates. There is absolutely nothing favorable to Windham citizens and or its workers, when the best that leadership can do is raise taxes and cut services. While the practice of raising taxes and cutting services may have its place, it should not always be the first line of defense. In fact, I believe that one should go on the offense when faced with budgetary challenges. As a Windham town councilor, I intend to incorporate an aggressive, comprehensive, and well thought-out approach that will adequately deal with the projected shortfall.

Turning this ship around may create some waves and require a few substantial alterations in doing so, but I am firmly convinced we can do it, provided a “majority” of councilors work to see it happen. Windham has some really talented and experienced councilors. If I have one concern, it is that I have seen more sympathy than solutions from some councilors.

As town leaders we must be prepared to do the hard work. I think that department heads understand that as councilors we all have respect for them and the work that they and their workers do. If continuous improvement is to be realized, we as councilors have to demonstrate leadership, and do what is necessary to put our department heads and town employees in the best position possible to be successful.

Let’s all work together to see that this great town holds a neutral to positive position during challenging times. As always, citizen participation is more than welcome.

Kaile Warren

Windham Town Councilor