Please Vote in the Next Budget Referendum
- Theresa Cramer
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
STAFFORD RESIDENTS – PLEASE VOTE IN THE NEXT BUDGET REFERENDUM!
Even if you don’t have time to read this entire letter, please take a moment to get the facts—and most importantly, GO VOTE.
Why Does This Matter?
Stafford is more than just a town—it’s where we live. We work here, shop here, own businesses, drive on the roads, raise our families, send our kids to school, dine in our locally owned restaurants, attend church, support sporting and music events, watch races at Stafford Speedway, and volunteer our time to help our fellow residents. Whether you live in Stafford Springs, Stafford, West Stafford, Stafford Hollow, the Borough, or Staffordville—we all have a stake in our town’s future.
That’s why the town budget vote is critical. The referendum vote will happen on:
Tuesday, April 8th
6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Stafford Public Library, 10 Levinthal Run
(Note: All district areas vote at the library for the town budget.)
YOUR VOTE MATTERS: Voting on the town budget is how we decide where and how tax dollars are spent. This is your opportunity to have a say in the financial decisions that impact public safety, infrastructure, education, and other essential services.
Your vote sends a message. Elected leaders listen when voters participate and share their thoughts. It affects your taxes. This budget determines how your tax dollars are allocated. It shapes our town’s future. A well-funded budget supports Stafford’s roads, schools,
emergency services, and economic growth.
No matter what political party you belong to, your vote on the budget matters. There are over 7,000 registered voters in Stafford. If you're one of them, you can vote. Not registered yet? Find out how here: Voter Registration Information
This budget referendum is a YES or NO vote on the Board of Selectmen (BOS) and Board of Education (BOE) budgets—together, they form the town budget. The overall town budget funds vital services for Stafford, including road maintenance, emergency services, schools, and public programs. You can view the proposed budget here: Town Budget Information
WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE YES: Every year, Stafford’s budget must be approved by voters. If the budget fails, further cuts will be made—impacting essential town services.
• Voting No Doesn’t Reduce Your Property Taxes
Many assume rejecting the budget will lower taxes. In reality, voting “no” often leads to cuts in services (like road repairs or public safety) while fixed costs (like debt payments) remain, meaning taxes stay high without any benefits.
• Quality Services Protect Property Values
Home values are tied to the quality of local schools, public safety, and infrastructure. If school budgets are cut or roads deteriorate, property values can decline, making it harder to sell homes at a good price.
• You Pay Either Way—Now or Later
Delaying necessary investments in infrastructure, schools, or emergency services doesn’t eliminate the need—it just leads to more expensive repairs or funding gaps down the road.
• Rejecting the Budget Doesn’t Mean More Efficient Spending
Some voters assume that voting “no” forces the town to spend more wisely. In reality, essential costs (like police, fire, and school expenses) don’t go away, and cuts often impact services that directly affect residents, such as library programs, road maintenance, or senior services.
• A Strong Town Budget Helps Keep Businesses and Jobs Local
Well-maintained infrastructure, strong schools, and reliable emergency services attract businesses and new residents. Underfunding town operations can discourage investment, leading to fewer local jobs and economic decline.
• Voting YES keeps Stafford moving forward.
A strong budget is an investment in Stafford’s future. It supports quality infrastructure improvements, education, and community programs that make our town a great place to live. Voting YES ensures continued progress, growth, and stability for all residents. Let’s keep Stafford moving in the right direction!
Final Thought: Let’s Move Stafford Forward
This letter isn’t just about encouraging you to vote—it’s about encouraging you to vote YES and invest in our town’s future.
FACT: The BOS and BOE budgets directly impact Stafford’s ability to provide vital services. If the budget fails, there will be more cuts—affecting our town services and schools. The solution? Learn the facts. Share the facts. Vote YES.
Sincerely,
Mary DeNunzio
Proud Stafford Resident for 25 Years
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