Entering Falmouth

Top Ten Reasons to Vote to Finish Falmouth High School

The Facts Don't Lie.  Here's Ten Reasons Why:

Question 1 on the May 20 ballot in Falmouth asks the voters to fund the completed renovation of Falmouth High School to the tune of $18.8 million.  Many voters are frustrated, disillusioned and angry at the current state of town affairs that has led to this.  That frustration has led to public pleas to vote "NO" on Question 1. 

I share the frustration and disappointment.  The project got out of hand and the Town Fathers (translate: Selectmen) jumped in a bit late under intense political pressure to do something - but they jumped in  - and have brought a much-needed infusion of leadership and credibility to the project.  Now is the time to move forward. A half-finished building benefits no one.

Here, then, as a columnist, former elected official, and Dad, are my top 10 fact-based realistic reasons why YES ON QUESTION 1 is the right thing to do:

10.  The School Building Committee has been rebuilt - The placement of two construction professionals, Pat Callahan and John Scanlan, on this committee is the infusion of public building experience the Committee sorely needed.  While it may be politically effective to lament why they were not there to begin with, the fact remains that the man responsible for the much-praised public library project and a man who has personally overseen successful school projects are on the team.  Let's let them get to work.

9. $18.8 is $18.8 -  This "it is what it is" statement sounds like it came from a Bill Belichick news conference.  It actually came from Selectmen Ahmed Mustafa at a meeting disccussing the funding request. He's right. There will be no subsequent requests.  The job will be done for this amount.  Period.

8. There IS a "Plan B" - Many of the critics of the funding request are complaining that the project should be voted down until an alternate plan, a "Plan B" as it is being called, is developed. That is just plain  wrong.  The alternate plan is in place but is not being actively pursued because it is a lousy alternative.  It stinks.  School building officials have repeatedly said that the "Plan B" is to attempt to make the remiainder of the building safe (fire and other safety requirements, open construction areas), then complete as much as possible within the existing funds. This would leave a partially completed, educationally degenerate building for our kids.  Some alternative.

7. "Sending a Message" is the Wrong Message - Other detractors are advocating a "No" vote to "send a message" to the Building Committee. Although I haven't heard exactly what this message is, it is clear that opponents want to punish Committee members for the state of the project.  School Building Committee member Bob Antonucci himself said at Town Meeting, "We can be slapped and chastised.  If that be the case, let it be."  Chastise away, naysayers, but be careful what you wish for. A no vote does not constitute a simple rebuke of the committee.  It is a rejection of the concept of a completed High School as a place for our young citizens to learn and grow into near adulthood.  That message is a chilling one for our young people that no person should want to send.

6. An Audit Will be Completed - I'm very intersted in the final number for this project to see where the money was spent and what went wrong.  I'm a numbers guy and love to delve into the detail behind the figures.  What I know for sure is that construction costs, concrete, steel, and even wood have skyrocketed nationwide and have contributed to this cost overrun.  I know that the architect was fired and that blew up the cost as well.  I want to know who is responsible and make sure they are accountable.  None of these facts, however, will deter me from a YES vote on May 20.  The project must be completed.  As a part of the reimbursement process, the School Building Authority will conduct an audit of the project.  I'm sure Joe DeNucci will be happy to join in. We still must finish what we started.

5. Accreditation IS at stake - The New England Association of Schools and Colleges has had Falmouth on a probationary status for years because of the conditions at the High School and subsequent plans to renovate. Losing accredidation is a very real possibility if the project is not completed.  This is not a scare tactic.  It's an unfortunate but critical reality that must be heeded.

4. The Project is Affordable - In 12 years as a Selectman, I participated in some knock-down, drag-out battles over fees, budgets, and our affordability as a community.  I defy any Selectman past or present to challenge my standing as a true fiscal conservative.  That being said, with the average tax bill in Falmouth well below the state average, the tax rate among the bottom third in the state, and the level of service we recieve for what we pay among the best, it is clear that we as taxpayers are getting good value for  our tax dollars. An additional $76 per year (average cost for house valued at $500,000) which will decline each year until the debt is paid in 20 years, is a manageable and affordable amount.  "I'm retired and on a fixed income, but this project has to get done," said my good friend, former Selectman and colleague and fellow fiscal watchdog Ed Marks.  Eddie is right, and he's voting yes. 

3. The Costs of a No Vote are Greater - Few dispute that the school needs to be completed.  The debate has swirled around how and when. The question then becomes, if the vote is indeed no on May 20, when will the job be done? The aforementioned skyrocketing construction costs are not going away any time soon.  Some estimates (tricky business, I know) have the increases at as much as 30% annually for each year the project is delayed. In addition to the greater financial costs of a no vote now, the costs to the quality of education for our kids and our quality of life as a community are at stake.

2. The Lawsuit is not an Excuse - Having been sued in District, Superior, and Federal Court as a Selectman, I can tell you that the current gag order that is prohibiting School Building Committee members from sharing some of the details on firing the architect which led to much of the increased costs is no joke. As maddening as it is, any slip or simple anecdote about the litigation or even the subject of the suit could comprimise the Town's ability to prevail in court and receive damages, which logically should go directly to reducing the project costs.  It's a difficult leap of faith to simply believe that the change in architect is to blame for much of the mess, but it is something we must do.

AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON TO VOTE YES ON QUESTION 1 ----

1. "It's For the Kids" is not an Emotional Trick - This oft-used phrase is not simply an attempt to tug on the heart (and purse) strings of voters who may not have children; it is an honest and fair statement of the kind of community Falmouth wants to be. "It's for the kids" means that we want a High School that is an educationally sound and safe place to learn. "It's for the kids" means we value providing our children with the tools to succeed in society. "It's for the kids" means we are willing to put our frustration and anger aside, or even save it for people on the ballot, not questions that could alter our community for a generation.

"It's for the kids" means that we will come together as a community on May 20 and make a choice for this and future generations.

VOTE YES ON QUESTION 1, Tuesday May 20.