To the Editor:

As a follow-up to my letter last week entitled “Onset and Wareham Need a Clean Sweep” let me reiterate a few points for your readers. I’ve been a seasonal resident of Onset for 44 years. One reader suggested that I consider moving to Duxbury or Marion if I wanted better town services. I love the town. Sure we have our issues but shouldn’t we all aspire to have the type of community we can be proud of? Thanks to all who participated in the town cleanup day. Thanks to our town employees who work tirelessly with minimal resources. And special thanks to the woman I see every morning picking up trash throughout town.

Now let’s talk about the budget, overrides and fair representation. A number of readers suggested that if I have a problem with municipal services I should attend Town Meeting and vote for an override. Sounds simple in theory, but let’s consider the reality for taxpaying seasonal residents.

We typically are registered to vote in another town which is our principal residence. Additionally, many are out of state in the winter when many important votes are taken. Here’s a creative suggestion in the interest of fairness: If the Selectman believe that an override may be appropriate for consideration, specifically identify the projects/departments to receive the funds and ensure that any incremental revenue only be used for these purposes. Tell me that municipal maintenance will get four more employees. Commit to more police, put barrels in our public areas, clean the beaches and pave the roads.

Once these funding objectives have been identified and vetted put them to the taxpaying voters. However, this vote should not be held in the dead of winter in a room packed with special interests. Instead, consider sending the proposal to each resident with their tax bill. Let each taxpayer study the proposal and vote accordingly. That’s true representative government. My bet is that you may be surprised at the reception.

Neil Sullivan