Supports Override Vote
Dear Editor,
We are writing to express our strong support for the Town of Winthrop’s 2 ½ Override vote for schools. Investing in our schools is not just about improving education—it is about strengthening our entire community, protecting property values, and ensuring a bright future for our children.
Strong schools are the backbone of a thriving community. A well-funded school system attracts families to the area, fosters student success, and helps create a skilled workforce. When schools are underfunded, students suffer from larger class sizes, outdated resources, and reduced educational opportunities. By passing the override, we can ensure that our children have access to quality teachers, modern technology, and safe, well-maintained facilities.
Beyond education, this override is an investment in our town’s economic future. Studies show that communities with strong schools enjoy higher property values. Potential homebuyers are willing to invest in towns with a reputation for quality education, which benefits all homeowners in Winthrop. Failing to fund our schools adequately could have the opposite effect, leading to declining home values and reduced desirability for future residents.
Some may argue that an override increases the financial burden on taxpayers, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term costs. A strong school system leads to economic growth, increased business investment, and a more vibrant community. The cost of underfunding education is far greater—both in lost opportunities for students and in the potential decline of our town’s appeal.
For these reasons, we urge our fellow residents to vote YES on the 2 ½ Override and invest in the future of Winthrop. Supporting our schools means supporting our community, our property values, and most importantly, our children.
Brian & Karen Perrin
Vote yes On 1, 2 AND 3
Dear Editor,
The Winthrop Town Council is urging our fellow citizens to vote “YES” on Questions 1, 2 & 3 on Saturday, April 5th. The time to make this critical investment in the future of our children, firefighters, and town is now.
Our current fire stations are outdated, undersized, and incapable of supporting the needs of a modern fire department and the safety of our residents. At the same time, over the last five years, our school district has made difficult decisions to keep costs as low as possible, yet this still is not enough to keep up with the rising demands of education.
We’re asking our teachers and our firefighters to do more with less every day, and it is no longer sustainable.
The Winthrop Town Council plays a critical role in managing town finances, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are allocated responsibly to support essential services. Investments in public safety and education are not just expenses—they are the foundation of a thriving community. The proposed funding measures will allow us to maintain and improve the services that protect our families, educate our children, and preserve the quality of life we all value.
Delaying action on a new fire station risks firefighter safety and makes our residents more vulnerable during emergencies. Failing to invest in our schools means we cannot even maintain the status quo, let alone strive for improvements—putting our teachers, staff, curriculum, clubs, and athletics at risk of experiencing reductions in staff support or incurring increased fees for participation. When we neglect these crucial services, we jeopardize our community’s future.
These votes not only impact the fire department and schools, however. If we are unable to adequately fund and support these initiatives, funding will need to be reallocated from other town departments. Given the age of our current fire stations, costly repairs will become commonplace to keep the stations operating at the suboptimal levels they are currently existing at. The cost of education will continue to rise with time. Our Police, Fire, and Department of Public Works are our largest departmental budget and will likely see cuts, although many smaller departments such as the library or senior center may experience more critical hits to their funding given that these departments are sparsely funded to begin with.
Winthrop is a town built on strong traditions and a deep sense of community. We take pride in showing up for our neighbors in times of need. Now, it is our responsibility to invest in the institutions that uphold our town’s well-being. Our schools and first responders are inextricably linked—our firefighters and teachers are raising families in Winthrop, and today’s children will be tomorrow’s firefighters, educators, and community leaders.
As residents and leaders in this community, we urge our fellow citizens to show their town pride by voting “YES” on Questions 1, 2 & 3 on Saturday, April 5th. When we invest in our schools and firefighters, we are investing in a brighter, safer, and stronger future for Winthrop.
Sincerely,
The Winthrop Town Council Jim Letterie, President
Hannah Belcher, Vice President, Precinct 3
Max Tassinari, Councilor At-Large Patrick Costigan, Precinct 1 John Munson, Precinct 2 Suzanne Swope, Precinct 4
Joe Aiello, Precinct 5
John DaRos, Precinct 6
Rob DeMarco, Councilor At-Large