Letter to the Editor: Show us what you’re for
- Theresa Cramer
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
To the people who are planning to or encouraging others to vote no in hopes that the budgets will be cut—take a minute and ask yourself: Other than voting, what are you doing to support Stafford? Did you even vote on the budget last year?
What’s your plan after the vote? Will you step up and help fill the gaps those cuts will create? Where will you volunteer your time? Will you be out there during the Community Wide Cleanup on April 26th? Will you show up for your neighbors in ways that go beyond casting a ballot?
Strong schools, safe roads, accessible services don’t happen magically (even though we have a magic wand store in town). These budgets are created by people who show up, get involved, and stay engaged year-round—not just during budget season.
This process isn’t new. It happens every year. Public hearings, Board of Finance meetings, and Board of Ed workshops have all been open to the public for months. The time to share opinions about the budget was back then.
I get that times are tough. They’re tough for a lot of us—myself included (and today I’m out $36 for paper, $6 for Girl Scout Cookies, and $11 for the most delicious cinnamon rolls from Maple Creek Country Kitchen). But Stafford has been falling behind for years when it comes to keeping up with inflation and maintaining the basic services a community depends on. That’s not just a government issue—that’s a community issue. That’s everyone’s issue.
So if your answer is “no” at the polls, think about how you’re going to help make things better. Not just online—in real life. Volunteer. Attend meetings. Join a committee. Run for office. Ask questions. Clean up a park. Coach a team. Show up. Because being part of a community means more than just voting against something.
Most of us are here because we care about this town. If you truly want Stafford to improve and grow, don’t just say what you’re against. Show us what you’re for.
Laura Lybarger
Letters to the Editor represent the views of the letter writers only. They are not edited, even for grammar and spelling, so double-check your letter before submitting.