I support the proposed three overrides as essential to maintaining Newton’s capital infrastructure. Newton is an exceptional city but if one scratches the surface, many problems become apparent.
I’ve chaired the Property Board for the United Parish of Auburndale (UPA) during its recent major capital improvement campaign. My first job after graduating from college was in the Maintenance Department of a large electric power plant. Given the immense capital costs and the necessity of uninterrupted service, maintaining this equipment was critical to our customers. From these experiences, I learned that dependable, upgraded infrastructure was an essential part of maintaining a well-functioning home, business, or church.
Over the years I’ve carried that lesson to my view of our community. Whether it’s our public buildings, parks, roads, or trees, we must invest in the city’s infrastructure. If we do not, Newton’s public assets will deteriorate to the point they are no longer salvageable, as we have seen happen with our school buildings. And while many of these issues may not be visible, the lack of investment in our infrastructure will end up costing all of us more in the long term.
I urge all Newton voters to support the three overrides on March 14th.
Rich Frantz