The school referendum on Wednesday, April 24 has certainly been a controversial subject in conversations around town, at public meetings, in the newspaper via letters to the editor and full page ads, and on social media.

Lawn signs touting Yes and No have sprung up along the roadsides and the absentee voting has begun in Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor regarding the plan to renovate and fix the elementary school.

Some people say it’s time to “bite the bullet” and get the repairs done at the school before the costs get even higher, while others think the price tag of about $30 million will saddle residents, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck, with higher taxes – and that the voters have already decided after last November’s vote.

When does it end?

The schools are old, need to be updated and repairs will continue. Do we do this now or continue to piecemeal the jobs?

Will the increased taxes force people to move away or do without medicine, do fewer repairs to their own homes, or buy Ramen noodles for dinner rather than steak and potatoes?

Whatever you believe, it is important to get out and vote – now by filling out an absentee ballot, or next Wednesday at the Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor town offices between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Let your voice be heard.