At the Veterans School Thursday, more than 150 seventh graders took on the roles of Marblehead voters, debating Proposition 2 1⁄2 tax overrides in a lively mock Town Meeting that mirrored the real decisions facing the town on Monday, May 4.
Students rose one by one to speak at the microphone, some arguing passionately that additional funding was essential to maintain services, while others warned of the burden higher taxes could place on residents — particularly seniors on fixed incomes.
Town Moderator Jack Attridge led the mock meeting, starting by asking students whether to place an override on the June 9 election ballot. Students voted overwhelmingly in the affirmative.
“Our structural deficit is starting to cut jobs and stop public works maintenance,” one student said. “Around town, there are cracked sidewalks, bursting playgrounds and broken-down fences. Raising taxes is the only option.”
Others spoke against raising taxes.
“Marblehead must vote no on the override,” one student said. “Too much money is being spent on jobs. People (employees) could be cut for a massive amount of money so citizens don’t have to struggle and pay higher bills.”
Another student questioned whether an override would provide a lasting solution.
“You might think an override will surely close our $7.7 million gap. Well, sorry for breaking it to you, but there isn’t even a guarantee that a tax increase will fill the gap in future years, meaning we can keep coming back to this state, probably over and over again,” he said. “Now me personally, I will be able to watch the hundreds of marvelous citizens solemnly pack up and have to leave the town they always loved and adored. So, stand up, take action and fight for our citizens in our beautiful community.”
Some of the speeches were quite dramatic. “Marblehead is slowly sinking in financial ruin,” one student said. “The override will save our reputation and will pull people’s eyes towards Marblehead … Invest in a stronger Marblehead. Invest in a better Marblehead. Vote ‘yes.’”
Next, students debated the three override tiers — partial restore at $9 million, build and stabilize at $12 million and invest and improve at $15 million.
One student, advocating for Tier Three said, “The other tiers are just temporary solutions, like a band-aid. By investing in tier three, we invest in our future.”
Others warned that higher taxes could drive residents out.
“Raising property taxes will lead to the decline of citizens in the town,” a student said. “People will have to leave the town that they love.”
In the final tally, students approved Tier 2.
Students also voted in support of new fees to cover increased costs of curbside trash collection.
Throughout the exercise, Attridge reminded students of the importance — and difficulty — of public speaking and civic engagement.
“That goes a long way when you’re getting up to make your point at Town Meeting,” Attridge said. “It’s not easy getting up and speaking in front of a room full of people.”
He added: “We had impassioned speakers and thoughtful considerations in your votes,” Attridge said. “ Fantastic job.”
After the meeting, the Current asked Ahmed if he planned to participate in Marblehead’s real Town Meeting when he turned 18. “One hundred percent,” he answered with a big smile.
