'Yes' Twice

CAMBRIDGE VOTERS knew, in the fall of 1980, that Proposition 2 1/2 would be a disaster. They voted against it, but were overruled by other voters across the Bay State. The intervening 18 months have proved the Cantabrigians' wisdom--in this, as in other aging cities, schools have been crippled, law enforcement impaired, and even snow removal curtailed. Last year, the cuts meant paring $13.4 million from the city budget, including firing more than 100 employees from the school department alone. If the slide continues. Cambridge might as well go out of business as a city altogether. To halt the decline, city voters must run out to the polls in record numbers today, and vote in favor of two referendums to override Prop 2 1/2.

The referendum is in two parts, and voters can support both when they cast their ballots. The first seeks $5 1 million in taxes beyond the levy limit set by Prop. 2 1/2. That amounts to half of what city officials are required to slice from the budget in the second year of the tax-cutting measure. The question requires a simple majority to pass.

The second question asks for the full $10.2 million in additional property taxes that Prop. 2 1/2 would mandate be cut. If this question passes by the two-thirds vote required, city department would receive level funding next year, and, although nobody's property tax bill would be less, they would not increase either.

A financial impact statement given to the Cambridge City Council last week by City Manager Robert Healy shows that $5.1 million is not enough 350 employees would still be laid off, including 29 firemen and 30 police officers. Indeed if 2 1/2 is not eventually altered, the city will be left with next to no government. It will pay the interest on its debt, and its pension obligations, and little else.

We urge city residents to take the out from Prop 2 1/2 that the referendum provides them and vote for both questions today. A two-yes vote should get the 66.6 percent necessary for Cambridge to maintain vital city services, and it not, at least insure the majority count and the $5.1 million.

Opponents to the referendum have stated that it defeats Prop. 2 1/2's purpose to cut fat from government by limiting taxes. With only five department budgets in Cambridge over $1 million, we argue that if the first year of Prop 2 1/2 cut fat, (and. Cambridge being a well-run city, it cut more than fat), this year it will carve flesh from the city's essential services: its schools, its hospitals and fire departments.

Massachusetts offered relief from Prop. 2 1/2 last year, but the funds were not doled according to the amount a city or town lost in tax revenue. Cambridge was unfortunate, receiving only' 10 percent of its losses back. Passing the referendum will eliminate this disparity. Older cities like Cambridge have suffered most from 2 1/2; the hemorrhage must be stopped in these vital centers.

From the cloud of figures and proposals. Cambridge residents have a chance to make a crystal-clear statement today. By voting yes twice, they can say loud and clear that the shadowy outlines of tax reform do not make cuts to service acceptable, or any more bearable.