Does Mike “Pay” Day Represent Stoneham?

A Letter to the Editor from Chris Whitney:

At October Town Meeting, we approved a feasibility study for $75,00 for a new Fire Station. At past town Town Meetings we approved 1.6 million to renovate the existing skating arena and a feasibility study for a new high school at a cost of $120,000 - without the benefit of state help … Mike, where were you?

Here’s the kicker in case you missed it. Mike “Pay” Day has included 2.5 million in the state budget for a feasibility study to put a rink in the Fells … (yes, those Fells with trees and walking paths).

Maybe it’s me but fire stations, existing rinks and high schools seem a tad more important than cleaning out large sections of precious wooded hiking areas, so close to home just to please local developer.

With 1.2 billion extra in state dollars available for local aid, it seems clear to me Stoneham has been left behind once again. How about a few crumbs for, I don’t know ... fighting opioid addiction, help for our senior citizens, education funding?? Are you really on the education committee, Mike? How about we work on a fair education fund formula? Just a thought …

Let’s not waste money on a rink that will never be built. In the end, me thinks you should donate your 40% pay raise… which you voted for….to fund a feasibility study to help you to understand the real needs of Stoneham voter’s.

Chris Whitney, Bellevue Road