LETTER: Time To Hire A Town Manager In Windsor Locks

EDITOR'S NOTE: Opinions expressed are those solely of the letter writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Patch Media. Opposing viewpoints are welcomed.

Hello Windsor Locks Residence
Hope all is going well, and you are all in good health.

Over the past number of years, it has been the BOE that has taken more and more Tax money from the Windsor Locks Residence a few reasons contractual, Insurance along with Benefits.
This is no secret for all of you, but the question is what can be done while not laying off teachers or other BOE Employees.
Prior to my leaving town I met with Shawn and spoke regarding moving Schools around, one has been closed and moved over to the High School.
What monies were saved by this move.
According to the State these funds can be removed from the MBR due to a school closing. Things such as rent, Insurance, Building rental costs Heat Electricity, Rental CAMS ETC.
Was the savings reported back to the BOF
I had asked Shawn to allow Mowing and Snow Plowing to be moved over to the town side. This was a question that was asked in 1990, by a previous Selectmen. Yes, this means MR. Wiegerts tight little family may have to be broken up but they all could stay employed if the Unions played nice in the pool and allowed people to move.
We spoke about closing either North or South St Schools.
Again, in the 90, s Windsor Locks had the same phase in of taxes for 5 years but to help the situation they consolidated schools.
This one closure would mean 1 less SRO staff, again no BOE employees lost.
Con as a Student both Mark Whitten and I attended the new High School in 1975 we had about 1200 Students in that one new building, now we have 1500 or so students with a number coming from out of town in all our schools.
At our meeting Shawn said he would look into it but here you are 2 budgets later and not a word.
This may be the exact reason why a Town Manager should be hired as his or her job is evaluated via a Town Council, and they determine if the job is being done with the towns best interest. The Town Council can hire and fire and are not held by an election result. Not the beauty contest that Windsor Locks has had in the past when 1 Party brings a candidate forward and the other party cannot bring a candidate forward
Our last two Selectmen groups have spoken about a Charter Revision Committee, apparently that was just smoke and mirrors.
Some parents in Town have decided to have their children educated out of town as Windsor Locks is still an Alliance District.

Things to look at and I know you may have already.

Number of Students in our Town both residence and from other Towns.
Has our student population decreased???
A school can be closed in the middle of the year if planned well. ask someone who moves businesses in or out of state.
One school district here in Florida said sure you deserve 100% of your budget but the taxpayers deserve your best and as an Alliance district at 33% or less we will give you 33% of your budget request, do better get better, Windsor Locks in 1975 was a top 30% school.
Apparently in Florida some of the Boards of Education Budgets are voted on as a separate line item not bundled within the towns budget.
I was surprised to hear talk of lawyers from the BOE are they scared!!!
Or just unwilling to change. Should our BOE be supported for being an Alliance District for years.
Take the money from their budget for a School Closure --Everyone stays employed if done correctly!!!

As for the cost of insurance and Union negotiations it may be time to bring in Firms that have more knowledge in these items.

As for the Noden Reed house History is no longer taught in school and Windsor Locks to the best of my memory has kept that house maintained well.
Windsor Locks does not need a wedding venue in a barn!

Really a 5% percent raise for nonunion employees !!

Norman Boucher
Past Chairman
Windsor Locks Board of Finance