The Catskill Chronicle

To the Editor:

‘Twas a week before Christmas when the budget was due,

All the legislators were not sure what to do.

Over the year, while the economy was tanking,

The legislators were thanking

Certain employees with praises,

Along with large raises.

Press releases were printed with care,

In hopes that the taxpayer would not care.

With visions of job layoffs dancing in their heads,

Taxpayers and employees were left scratching their heads.

The managers were summoned to “cut the fat,”

And select “bodies” to sacrifice for that.

Unions were told to give, give back,

While their bosses’ salaries remained intact.

As the end of the budget process was nearing,

The Legislature was having a public hearing.

When who should appear about the matter,

But the taxpayer, mad as a Hatter.

With the garbage they made such a stink,

That the legislators chose not to go over the brink.

In hopes that “leave without pay” would fill the void,

We asked to keep services and people employed.

The college could be nice,

And give back a slice.

So after the vote we could hear someone exclaim

“Taxpayers, there is no reason to complain.”

Kenneth Walter

Grahamsville