Last modified: Tuesday, November 4, 2008 2:36 AM EST GUEST COLUMN: Mansfield boards moving too slowly THE FOLLOWING commentary was submitted by Mary Barton-Rau, Liz Christo, Christine Cleary, Julie Novio, Kiera O'Neil, Heidi Sylvester and Ellen Whitney, calling themselves the Concerned Citizens of Mansfield Whether viewing the Oct. 15 board of selectmen meeting from our homes or from the Town Hall meeting room, we were each equally outraged. A mere two hours prior to the start of this Wednesday meeting, Gov. Deval Patrick announced a fiscal state of emergency. Other than Selectman Jess Aptowitz making a brief statement about tough economic times ahead, there was no mention of the seriousness of this situation and how it relates to Mansfield. While Selectman Aptowitz should be commended, his statement will not aid our town without a call to action and a motion from the selectmen for the Town of Mansfield to put serious review into its spending policies and updating them accordingly. This is an immediate need. Chairwoman Sandra Levine stated frankly that the current TIF committee should be expected to meet "five days a week" if necessary. While this may be excessive, we charge the selectmen and school committee to do what is necessary to adopt and enforce policies which will enable Mansfield to endure this financial crisis successfully. On Oct. 4, 2007, Town Manager John D'Agostino was quoted by the Sun Chronicle saying, "The financial condition of the town is strong." While this statement may have been made comparing us to neighboring towns, we have to disagree. The 2008-2009 budget was balanced due to over $450,000 being cut and $750,000 taken from stabilization. It was during these budget discussions that our selectmen, school committee and finance committee told the public they would begin preparations for the 2009-2010 budget cycle in a timely fashion to better prepare for what was warned would be an extremely grim budget season. These meetings are occurring, but the lack of action is concerning. What new financial policies have they collectively agreed to adopt? What changes have been made since town meeting to help balance the 2009-2010 budget? Communication is a great first step and very much needed; however, if no changes or preparations are being put into place, where is the value in these meetings? The average Mansfield resident is forced to watch from the sidelines and fear that our town is in no better position to deal with this financial crisis than we were at this time last year. This cycle is continuing, only this year there is no stabilization account to depend upon. Drastic cuts are being made at the state level, the finance committee has made a series of recommendations for the town to follow, yet we have no motions and no actions being taken by the boards that are able to make the difference for our town. We need our selectmen and school committee to begin to take action. The wellbeing of our town depends upon it.