Letter: Community Preservation Act (CPA) - May 2007

Two years ago, when the Community Preservation Act (CPA) was on the ballot, I was a supporter of it. While discussing the merits of the act with people, many, who were in opposition, told me, that they did not trust politicians to use the funds as they were intended. The proposal by Senator Creem to raid CPA funds for what have always been basic city services proves that their fears were justified.

The intent of the CPA was to purchase open space, do historical restoration, build affordable housing and take on special projects that the city could otherwise not afford. The act was specific in that it was not intended to supplement local taxes and pay for existing services or general maintenance of city properties.

This proposal is nothing more than an end run around Proposition 21/2. It simply changes the intent and purpose of the CPA to make it nothing more than a general property tax over ride. This is not what the people of Waltham, or any of the other cities and towns that passed the CPA, voted for when they passed the act.

Work on restrooms, storage and parking facilities and replacing playground equipment are all necessary city expenditures. Fortunately, they already have a funding mechanism in the city budget.

The CPA committee in Waltham is still getting itself organized. I’m hoping that when they begin to release funds in the near future that they will do the great things for the city that I was hoping for when I voted for the act. Senator Creem’s raid of these funds must be stopped. It is not what the CPA was intended for. It is not what I voted for.

Bill Fowler

54 Lincoln St.

Waltham MA 02451

781-899-3095