November 4 Election Results

Only 5511 voters cast ballots, where 6420 were needed. The 5511 was about 14% shy of the number needed, and about 43% of the 12,840 March registered voters, where 50% was needed. 57% of Bedford's voters did not vote. Not a good showing, but quite representative of a special election.

Had this been a regular election, Article 1 would have passed by more than 76% (4174 to 1307) and Article 2 by nearly 79% (4320 to 1165). Nearly 7000 (6955 to be exact) could have voted, with all additional votes being NO, and both articles still would have passed by the required 60%.

Those who did not vote, or voted NO, should know that the 2004 BSD budget will now be increased by $1.8 million for a deficit appropriation to cover the increased cost of the Manchester tuition/capital costs for 2003, plus another $4.4 million for the capital costs for 2004. Also, the tuition cost for 2004 will increase to something over $7,000 per student.

Unless this is corrected in March 2004, by passing the Manchester 20-year contract, the tax rate increase for 2004 will be in the range of $3.29 per thousand.

In 2005, when another $4.4 million for Manchester capital costs gets put in the school budget, the tax rate will increase another $2.33 or so, for a total two-year increase of about $5.62! All because 909 voters - for whatever reason - chose to sit this one out.

To avoid this huge tax rate increase, it is now imperative that ALL groups work together to get the Manchester long-term contract passed.