In the April 30 Tri-Town Weekly article on RSU withdrawal, the last line referenced Peter Murray joking, “(the Freeport Withdrawal Committee) can go as long as we want.” I am not pleased that Mr. Murray finds the future of my children’s education a subject to joke about. I know Mr. Murray and some others have made their biases for withdrawal clear, but where are the actual facts to help the voters decide?

Recent articles have presented the withdrawal as a foregone conclusion, which is far from true. A thin margin of withdrawal support does not necessarily represent Freeport’s overall voters. This November’s vote matters and the people of Freeport have the opportunity to support stronger academics, lower taxes and overall sense of community by voting “no” on withdrawal and returning to the progress RSU 5 was making.

We all saw the “Got Questions, Vote Yes” signs withdrawal supporters put up last fall, yet what questions has Moving Freeport Forward actually answered? Has the most basic question of a comparative tax implication or budget been provided? No. Where is a straightforward analysis that includes: A.) Here is the budget with the current RSU, and B.) Here is the budget if Freeport withdraws. Why is the Withdrawal Committee or board not using the allocated $50,000 to show this comparison?

In Durham, when a vocal minority pushed withdrawal, the town was split. However, when both sides collaborated to create and share an unbiased report of the significant tax implications and academic program losses, Durham voted overwhelmingly against withdrawal. I hope Freeport voters will hold the board and Withdrawal Committee accountable to present the facts. The pro-withdrawal side was skilled at providing anecdotes or outright avoidance discussing their actual reasons behind withdrawal – I hope such an important vote will not be allowed to go forward without knowing the facts once again.

As an engaged parent, I already know the significant academic value in staying together as an RSU – more AP classes, additional academic specialists, etc. Those are actual facts. At School Board meetings, pro-withdrawal members have stated, “We don’t need to provide a budget for staying with or leaving the RSU.” True, they are not obligated, but isn’t it the right and fair thing? If they purport that withdrawal is truly best for the community, why not prove it to the voters – unless they are worried the facts will show withdrawal as a poor decision.

I am proud of our three-community engagement through the RSU, and I truly hope others will question why we are not being provided the unbiased facts. Please allow the people to decide, instead of having a select minority play games with what data comes out, when it comes out, and how it comes out. This is too important, and any hidden agendas are unacceptable. I know there are many Freeport residents that believe the same, and I ask you to please ask the Withdrawal Committee and board to provide a real comparison.

As a parent and concerned citizen, I believe the RSU provides enhanced academic opportunities, sense of community, and tax savings for all our towns. If you think I am incorrect in my assertions, by all means prove me wrong with actual financials or facts, as opposed to clever signs, diversions and jokes.

Sean Dugan

Durham