Economy is not very healthy in North Reading. A lot of empty buildings...old Stop & Shop, the Pic, North Reading Hardware, and now Sears. Add that to the foreclosures, and you've got some serious problems. Boston Magazine recently listed North Reading's average home sale prices down from $450,000 three years ago to $395,000. Too many households are one lost job from foreclosure. Don't know why the Selectman, School Committee etc., don't get it, but they just don't. Adding over $300 quarterly to the tax bills for the HS/ Middle School renovations won't help obviously.
Election tomorrow. But whom among the candidates speaks to the real issues? I don't see any. Have to reign in spending, but they all want to spend more! Very sad that not one candidate is bold enough to say $300 per quarter may be more than many can afford. But I haven't heard that.
There's more to a community than just the schools. People have to be able to sustain their lives in a depressed economy. We could use a little help from elected officials.

To whom will be elected tonight, please remember those that are less fortunate in our community. That is who you actually must serve. You can revisit any and all past decisions. Be a leader, not just a vote.

Pretty sad to see the turnout at the polls today. It really is shameful how few people take advantage of their right to elect their leaders -- be it local, state or national. This is one of the most frustrating things about this country -- so few people vote.