Hamden Journal

Budget brings out both sides

Memorial Town Hall was chilly Monday night, and not just because of the rainy weather

By Kenneth Hoffman

Citizens came out to protest the mayor’s proposed budget, but they were not all on the same side.

Employees, volunteers and patrons of Hamden’s libraries were protesting proposed cuts in that department and asking for full funding.

At the same time, members of the citizens action group, Hamden Alliance for Responsible Taxation (HART) protested in the hope that the budget would remain flat, with no new expenditures.

The budget calls for cutting two library positions, both in the computer department.

Sandy Bartell, a branch librarian and co-president of Local 1303-115 librarians union, said, “The proposed budget would do great damage to our system.

“We cannot continue to endure cuts,” she said. “Funding our library is a critical investment in our future.”

One patron, Tomas Burdakian, said, “A library system, like the education system, is the cornerstone of a community.”

Members of HART came to the meeting dressed in clown hats and bedecked with balloons and signs, to satirize the “parade” at public comment meetings, but they were dead serious about their concerns.

Mark Sanders, a member of HART’s steering committee, said, “We’re hoping a lighter approach will help us get though.”

Fellow protestor Richard D’Albis said, “We’ve only got tonight to speak and it’s important to do it.”

Al Gorman, Legislative Council president, opened the meeting on a positive note.

“We know you are enthusiastic, or you wouldn’t be here,” he said. “We want to hear your input.”

Marianna D’Albis stepped to the podium to deliver a survey to the council in front of the audience, which comprised about 50 residents in addition to reporters.

The petition, filed by HART, had 761 signatures.

“Young and old are facing bankruptcy,” she said. “When will it stop?”

Charles Mosher was an example of HART’s position.

“I had to borrow $800 from my 18-year-old son,” Mosher said. “It hurts me to have to take the money from his bank account to pay taxes.”

Many people spoke in support of HART and the effort to reduce property taxes, citing apparent discrepancies in the proposed budget.

They noted the library’s budget was cut, and the fire marshal’s budget isn’t fully funded, but employees don’t work 40-hour weeks and get exorbitant benefits.

One even advocated closing all the branch libraries.

Resident George Levinson said, “I’m just astounded at the expenses.”

“I look and I realize our tax dollars are not being well spent,” Levinson said. “The residents are not getting good value for their tax dollars.”

Sanders stepped to the microphone to say, “Enough is enough.”

“It is time to start thinking outside the box,” he said.

Sanders said HART has a proposal that would cut 4 mills from taxes, using two strategies: a five-year phase-in of revaluation, and cutting the pension fund.

“I’m seeing the early signs of a shell of a town,” he said. “Please save the town for all our sakes.”

Joe Lebrane of HART was more assertive in imploring for relief.

“I’m too old to be a hatchet man,” he said, “so I’ll make a veiled threat. There is an election next November, and I strongly suggest you come back with a budget with no increase.”

Library supporters were no less passionate.

Children’s Librarian Judy Nadin said, “The importance of a public library goes way beyond providing books. All the wonderful programs at the library are free, but they can’t continue without funding from the town.”

Peggy O’Brien, chairman of the Hamden library board, said the two technicians whose positions have been cut are crucial to the library’s operations and represented the town’s commitment to a past investment of $125,000 for a cataloging system.

She outlined the history of computers at the library and the complex knowledge of library science she said is required to manage the 72 PCs and 12 networked printers.

Cutting these positions, or moving them to Government Center, she said, “punishes the library for having the foresight” to lead the way in technology.

Ruth Johnson, a resident, called the library a hub and a community center for Ham­den, and she expanded the issue to appeal to the Council’s civic responsibility.

“The free public library is an important part of our democracy because it ensures an informed and literate populace,” she said.

Passions were high on all sides as residents and municipal staff fought for their issues, but the final decision rests with the council.

The public hearing on the Board of Education budget was Tuesday night after press time. Go to www.hamden journal.com for meeting highlights.

Copyright © 2007 Hamden Journal, reprinted with permission. Originally published on 19 April 2007.

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