Middleton mayor expresses disappointment

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Following is a letter from Middleton Mayor Calvin Eddy to Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald expressing concern about $2.2-million in renovation and expansion funding axed in the current provincial budget.)

March 29, 2007

The Honourable Rodney MacDonald, Premier

Province of Nova Scotia

7th Floor, One Government Place

1700 Granville Street, PO Box 726

Halifax, NS B3J 2T3

Mr. Premier:

On behalf of Middleton Town Council, I would like to express my concern and disappointment with the recent Cabinet decision to put a “hold” on planned upgrades to Middleton Regional High School (MRHS) announced in January 2006.

Commitments for the High School included a new 10,500 square foot gymnasium, along with renovations to the existing multi-purpose room to accommodate a proper band room facility for the School’s long established music program.

Gymnasium and music facilities at MRHS have been inadequate for many years. The Department of Education has been well informed of the issues surrounding these inadequacies and we in the community were under the impression that the Province of Nova Scotia was seriously committed to carrying out the upgrades to overcome these deficiencies.

Over the past two years, both students and staff of MRHS have worked hard, raising funds to provide financial support for these upgrades. Walk-a- thons, craft sales, auctions, and a variety of activities have taken place, not only to lend financial support to the project but to bring awareness to the fact that MRHS deserves the same quality facilities for its students as is available to other students across the Province of Nova Scotia.

The Town of Middleton supports educational funding through its yearly mandatory contribution. The current fiscal years’ contribution stands at $270,700. We have recently learned that a nine percent increase is in order for the upcoming fiscal year, which brings Middleton’s contribution to $294,300. To the local taxpayer, this represents thirty-seven cents on the Town’s tax rate or nineteen percent of the Town’s budget. Surely a

small rural town, contributing such an amount for educational purposes deserves the promised upgrades announced in 2006.

This Town has for many years worked closely and cooperatively with local and regional school boards. We have shared responsibilities in building and maintaining rugby, soccer, and baseball fields. We have provided assistance to the walk-a- thons through our police, public works, and fire departments. There has always been, in the Town of Middleton, a healthy and positive attitude between the local Council and the educational institutions.

It is the wish of both Middleton Town Council and the Town’s citizens that the decision to postpone the work scheduled for Middleton Regional High School be reconsidered, and that those promises and commitments announced originally would be placed back on the list of priorities so that MRHS upgrades can be completed as originally intended.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Regards,

Calvin Eddy, Mayor

Middleton