The survey conducted by the Press and League of Women Voters this month yielded responses from voters that expressed strong opinions on both sides of the Proposition 2½ override question. In town board meetings members are holding onto deeply held convictions about spending they believe must be maintained for the sake of the town and its future, as they struggle to come up with budgets voters will accept. In letters to the editor we’ve received over the last few weeks writers have made compelling arguments in favor of, and against an override. This week we received a copy of an anonymous letter sent to the School Committee questioning some of the school department’s expenditures, and filled with rancor toward that board. (The Press does not print anonymous letters.) Divisions in town seem to run deep.

At the Town Meeting in May and the town election in June, voters will have another chance to decide on the budget that will drive much of what happens in Harvard during the coming fiscal year. No matter what the outcome, some people are bound to be unhappy.

We wonder—when all is said and done, will residents be willing to shake hands and move on? Or will they let bitterness and animosity keep the town divided?