Editor:
I would like to express my concern about the data that will be obtained from the advisory question that will appear on the June 10 ballot. It is my understanding the town council will use this information to guide them, if needed, in future decisions concerning the school budget. Every voter will be asked if they think that the proposed school budget, which includes a 4.6 percent increase, is too high or too low. There is no option to vote that the proposed budget is appropriate or “just right.” I am concerned that the “too high/too low” data may be misleading unless they are reported in relation to how the individual responded to the school budget question. For instance, the majority of voters who vote “yes” on the proposed budget may do so because they feel that the 4.6 percent increase is, in fact, appropriate. When only given the options of either “too high” or “too low,” they may vote “too high,” thus skewing the results of the advisory question. I therefore think that it would be far more meaningful to break down the results of the advisory question according to the individual’s vote on the current budget proposal. I would argue that the results of the advisory question obtained from individuals who voted “no” on the proposed budget will give you more insight into the will of the Cape Elizabeth residents.
Everyone’s vote is important, but I think that it is necessary to report the advisory question date in relation to the budget vote to get the most accurate understanding of the direction in which the town needs to go.
 Dana Greer
Cape Elizabeth