Portsmouth Town Councilor Dennis Canario, in an e-mail sent to supporters this morning, said that constituents had expressed support for his motion to exceed the cap in order to fund the schools, and he suggested passing along information about the budget referendum process:

After last night's meeting, I was flooded with folks who supported my efforts. I do have information that needs to be distributed as a result of inquires I have received.

Our residents do have a way to fight back! Please get the word out that they will have 14 days from the date of the adopted budget to obtain 10% of the registered voters signatures (approx 1400 signatures) to put the question on the ballot to approve the proper funding needed for the town. It is important that people know they have this avenue at their disposal.

Remember now, we are talking 10 bucks a month to save the town!
— Canario e-mail

For background, the budget referendum is the process put in place by Portsmouth voters in 2007 to replace the Tent Meeting. By collecting the appropriate number of signatures on a properly worded question, a group can require the town to schedule a special election to increase or decrease the tax levy. The process was instituted to address issues with the Tent Meeting: it provides universal access through regular polling equipment and all-day voting, and includes absentee ballots.

Reached for comment by e-mail, Canario added some additional thoughts:

"I would just add that it's not just the schools that is going to feel the brunt. Services the town provides will most likely be cut as well. It is going to be interesting now to see how the prevailing side will cut the budget without affecting crucial services.

People must understand that neither I nor anyone else wants to raise taxes (especially on an election year), but we have an obligation to ALL residents to provide sufficient and proper services without compromising health, safety, and basic education.

I made a pledge back in the Caruolo days that whatever the outcome of the independent audit, I would follow its recommendations. I am keeping my promise. Everyone who knows me knows I am a man of my word, and one who truly loves the town.

We are talking 10 dollars a month on the average home. That seems to be a small price to pay to keep Portsmouth the most wonderful place to live."

Full disclosure: Obviously, I think Dennis Canario did the right thing last night, and I thank him for his motion, and Jim Seveney for his vote. I am a supporter of the schools, and I would encourage anyone interested in becoming involved in this process to visit the Save Our Schools web site and the Save the Arts and Sports in Portsmouth on Facebook. I'll certainly post anything I hear.