Ashland localtownpages Vol. 2 No. 9
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Historical Fiction
The Boarder Who Stayed By John Kelley, Editor
Prologue in Truth The War of 1812 was considered the second war for independence by the Americans who fought the British in a widespread conflict on the high seas, as far south as Louisiana, and as far north as the Niagara Frontier in what is now southern Ontario Province. The bloodiest battle occurred at Lundy’s Lane, just west of the Niagara River in 1814, the last year of the war. In that action, an American force of several thousand attempted to invade Canada and destroy British forces there. On a hot and humid night in July of that year, the Americans attempted to move north, deeper into Canada, but were ambushed by a large British force that had taken up a blocking position in the woods at Lundy’s Lane. Both sides suffered considerable losses in hand-to-hand combat through the night, but the British cannons turned the tide firing at point-blank range in the night, and the Americans gave up the battlefield. It was indeed, a fortuitous maneuver by the British,
Town Proposes FY16 Budget Ashland residents will have the opportunity to vote on the budget at the May 6 town meeting.
mittee meetings to learn about the issues and, when allowed, provide input. Meeting times are available on the town website.
By Cynthia Whitty
“The town budget is a statement of what the town values,” Tony Schiavi, town manager, said. “In the last three to four years, the town has dipped into its reserve [or stabilization] fund to balance the budget. Revenues weren’t paying for expenses for the town and the schools. The state won’t come to our rescue. It’s up to Ashland to determine its destiny.” The problem is complex, but there are solution sets, the town manager said. “The recent Tri-Board meetings were able to come up with a band aid for this year. Various town projects, such as the Howe Street and middle school solar projects, will help cover the
The Board of Selectmen approved the FY16 budget and will soon be asking residents to vote on it at the May town meeting. Many town committee members said they are “satisfied” that a balanced budget has been established (a balanced budget is required by the town charter) but feel that the town is “at a crossroads.” As expenses continue to outpace revenues, the town is faced with a long-term structural deficit. For now, the TriBoard (Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committee) is meeting to begin addressing the town’s longterm needs. Residents are invited to attend Tri Board and other com-
Historical Fiction
continued on page 3
A Statement of What the Town Values
Town Budget
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