The issue with the roads is very appropriate at this time. And we can have a referendum on the roads....but not the total Town Budget?
Some of our existing local state legislators representing us in Hartford were voted into office because many of us felt that they would be able to help accomplish the task of getting our local governments away from dependence on the property tax. So far, nothing has happened, despite some recent publicity. We therefore need to protect ourselves. We can't wait any longer.
The Groton Town Council and RTM should include an "opinion" item in the November Election process, suggesting that the Groton Taxpayers decide on whether they should be allowed to actually vote by referendum on the Town Budget in the future. If the majority of citizens approve the idea, it would eliminate the need to create any separate petitions from the citizens and could directly assist in expediting modification of the Town Charter with an inclusion of this change.
There is only one way to cut total budget costs in any meaningful capacity. Thus far, it doesn't appear that all members of the Council and RTM want to proceed with it. For this reason, the final say needs to rest with the Citizens of Groton. Both Stonington and North Stonington citizens are able to do this. It is time we do it in Groton.
As mentioned above, we can have a Referendum regarding the roads. Why not the Town Budget? Is someone afraid they might lose political control? Is there an "agenda" on this subject? Perhaps by voting NO on the road referendum, this can act as a signal to the Council that we want a change.
Because...apparently...the landslide rejection of the Phase II school proposal wasn't enough to get the Council's attention.
