We are grateful to the voters of Wayland for passing the operating override last Tuesday and saving our town services for the benefit of all our residents.  This was a monumental event in Massachusetts given the challenges that all towns are facing and the weak economy that affects us all. 

We firmly believe that the primary reason voters stood behind the override was our town's demonstrated commitment to fiscal responsibility, and we know first hand that this included some difficult choices.  Over the last few years, our Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen, School Committee and all departments and boards have worked diligently to find operating efficiencies and improve revenue. 

With the operating override concluded, we will dissolve Save Our Services Ballot Question Committee.  However, through our ongoing grass roots organization, Save Our Services, we will continue our efforts to preserve Wayland's services and quality of life in a fiscally responsible manner. 

In the coming months, the state will finalize its budget and we will ramp up our efforts to advocate for state aid as we have done in the past.  Further, the ballot in November will have a question to repeal the state income tax - and should this pass, it will devastate our state and our town. This represents approximately $11.6 billion in revenue to fund the state budget.  If you think overrides are too onerous now, think about what would happen should we no longer have state aid. 

We will continue to advocate for and explore ways to promote operating efficiencies and revenue enhancements at the town level through the recommendations of the Finance Committee's long range plan. Finally, we will monitor the progress and advocate for a state endorsed High School Building project.

We believe that by passing the override last Tuesday, the voters confirmed their confidence in Town officials and reaffirmed that the mandate to operate more efficiently is greater than ever. We hope you will continue your support of the ongoing efforts of Save Our Services.

Finally, we express our gratitude and respect to all the SOS volunteers and supporters as well as our town officials and all Wayland residents for actively participating in forming our Town's future.