To the Editor:

On Monday, May 22nd, I left the roundabout informational public meeting mumbling quite loudly that the Selectmen were being irresponsible. My concern then, which was not going to be allowed to be heard, was a serious safety issue.

During the past week, I have learned up at town hall that the roundabout project has been in the works for a couple of years or so, is now a done deal, and the work will begin as soon as school lets out. 

Now my concern is just how far out of touch the Board of Selectmen are with the current economic conditions. 

In the real world families and businesses are not spending money on unnecessary projects even though the projects have "been in the works for a couple of years or so." Example, a family of five has looked forward to the time when they can take a great vacation. The plan is to go when the oldest child graduates from high school and the two younger ones are old enough to tag along without constant attention. June 2010 is the date and these conditions will never be this right again. Does this family do it or wisely decide to be fiscally responsible?

Our current Board of Selectmen is being fiscally irresponsible continuing this project at this time in this economy. And, by the way, our School Board is likewise being irresponsible buying their dreamed of voice-over-IP (VOIP) phone system despite the overwhelming voice of the public at the public hearing on their budget back in January. There is nothing illegal that the boards are doing here to my knowledge; however, they are not being responsible with the taxpayers' money. 

These two governing bodies must consider operating on about 80% to 85% of their current budgets in order to roll unused money back in order to keep property taxes reasonable. Consider that many households are now managing on half the income they had in the recent past; however, it is taking wise financial decisions and moderation. 

We need to spend a half a million dollars on that roundabout project right now like we need to launch Goffstown's own space vehicle.  We need that VOIP phone system at the schools like we need to put a golden dome on the SAU building. 

Please, please, members of the governing bodies wisely reconsider these irresponsible decisions.

Bill Gordon
Goffstown