It’s a shame to see the misinformation surrounding Orange’s current budget woes. The fraud experienced by the town certainly hasn’t helped its fiscal situation, but isn’t the sole cause as a Recorder article stated [“$338K fraud drains town coffers,” May 18].

Orange has a history of voting against raising taxes to fund its services (nine defeats of override votes in the past 20 years, according to the state Department of Revenue) and absent additional tax revenue or other funds, such as were available through federal relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, town leaders have no option but to make cuts.

A local newspaper should be helping people understand the complex and difficult choices involved, not further muddying the public conversation.

Cathy Stanton

Wendell