Clinton residents get one shot to change budget

http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/4932808.html

This is it, folks. You get one chance to voice your opinions on the new budget. Anything you don't like the sounds of, you'd better take advantage of the opportunity to speak up. Make sure that your opinions and suggestions are "clear" to the Board and Manager. Remember...

"This is it for input," Town Manager Jim Rhodes said of the hearing, the only opportunity residents will have to propose changes.

Once this meeting is done and over with, it's down to this...

"There's two public hearings, this is the first of two. There is a second public hearing required to be held, but everything is set in stone by then."

You're going to have over a month to mull over what has been discussed and decided. Then...

The second hearing, set for May 27, will give residents a chance to ask questions or clarify issues.

...and that's it.

I personally have no problem with one of the recommended budget cuts. If we've been using "taxpayers" money for this, I certainly would have expected better results anyway. I have to wonder if prioritizing and public "inclusion not exclusion" were included as part of these "trainings"? I highly doubt intimidation tactics were.

Rhodes said the Budget Committee also recommends cutting about $1,000 for training and travel for town government.

Just keep this in mind. If you don't like the results of the decisions made after Monday's meeting that are "announced" May 27th, this will be all you can do about it.

The annual town meeting and referendum-style voting is June 10.

Exercise at least that one right.