Why are there six towns on Martha's Vineyard, each with its own administrative costs?
Why are there six towns on Martha’s Vineyard, each with its own administrative costs? A single Island administration, police, fire, etc. would greatly reduce costs and of course taxes. The story about each town’s budget issues all seem to have the common theme of administrative costs, especially salaries and benefits.
Years ago, Indianapolis merged with Marion County to form a city-county government to greatly reduce costs. I have no doubt the merger of the Island towns has been discussed before and I would love to hear the reasons why this idea is not considered.
With six different towns duplicating many administrative services, great savings can be realized.
Larry Lewis
Scotia, N.Y.
Comments
It's possible that Mr. Lewis
Sara Crafts Oak BulffsIt's possible that Mr. Lewis lacks historical perspective concerning Martha's Vineyard and its six towns (plus Gosnold). The word he hasn't used is the dreaded "R" word - regionalization. The merger of the school systems, to say nothing of other departments of the various towns has been discussed infinitum, Mr. Lewis. There are still some open wounds left from the regionalization of the high school, some 56 years ago. The idea has, in fact, been considered, many, many times, and the reason(s) it was not adopted would fill many books. "Home rule" may be the most succinct way to phrase it.
The reason Mr. Lewis, is
BKThe reason Mr. Lewis, is because we are six towns.
All different in everything from architecture, land mass, accents and loyalties.
Just like six siblings don't want to be treated as one...our municipal siblings want also to be treated and respected as individuals.
Money is not always the best solutions to all things.
So many other things are equally or even more important.
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