Open Letter to the BOD, BOE and Manchester Party Leadership:

Now is the time for cooler heads to prevail. It is certainly not the time for partisan vendettas. Here is what this voter and taxpayer is looking for in this budget cycle that I will carry through to my vote in November:

• Pragmatism
• Transparency
• Vigorous yet respectful political debate to flush out all ideas and possibilities
• Sincerity in deliberation and discussion
• Willingness to break rank, or cross political divides to do what is best for all of us, not for a party's position come November
• Open-mindedness and willingness to consider options that may not be the first or ideal choice

There is no doubt in my mind that this year's budget process will be difficult for all of us. This current economic environment has already been difficult enough. Disagreements are to be expected, and I'm not looking for everyone to sit around boardroom tables singing kumbaya. I do expect everyone to to act professional, respectful, and give the benefit of the doubt that we are all in this together.