During the 10 years I have been a Town Meeting member I have voted on a number of proposals I thought were a horrible waste and on others I thought were strong statements of investment in our community.  

One of a set of new proposals that would immediately aid in the lives of school children in the poorest sections of town is the Hoops and Homework program. It will strengthen kids' academic skills while also allowing them to participate in recreational activities to supplement the educational program. This is just one proposal of many I would like to see implemented during the next year.  

A handful of Town Meeting members and parents walked the area a few times and talked of solutions for those kids who are poor and need programs in their neighborhood to challenge them in educational programs while also providing a host of sport or recreational activities.  

A number of nonprofit agencies have already indicated an interest becoming involved. Those who have that knee jerk reaction to say no should remember how many studies worth millions of dollars have been wasted over the past decade.  

It is the right thing to do to support programs for the most stressed out areas in our town and in the kids who live there so that our town is safer, more competitive and property values remain stable. 

It is a very cheap investment now. The alternative is a more expensive investment later.

While trillions are wasted nationally by endless wars and tax breaks for the wealthy, a local investment in our own community for kids who live here should be a true top priority.  

Lloyd Kaye

Precinct 10

Town Meeting Member