Who Cares?

I attended the public hearing tonight on the proposed 2007-2008 Ledyard Town Budget. In attendance were 11 elected officials (myself included), 7 school administrators, 4 government class high school students, 1 reporter from the New London Day, and 7 town residents.  It appears that the town budget as proposed (a 4.14% increase), will not require a tax increase due to additional revenue from the state.  I guess it's hard to get excited about a budget that will not raise property taxes.

I can remember public hearings during the 1980's, when a town police officer was needed to help with parking and crowd control.  Of course, those were the days when budget battles were a regular springtime ritual.  I think I like this way better.