Health & Fitness
Problems with the Groton RTM system
Highlights of system faults and attitudes on the part of the Groton RTM, suggesting the need for a Referendum process.
Here is a detailed communication from Roseanne Kotowski regarding the Groton RTM. If ever there was a strong case for re-instituting a Referendum process to allow the Groton taxpayers to vote on the budget, this is it. Thank you, Roseanne!
"Regarding Ed Johnson's recent Blog concerning the Groton RTM (see previous Blog below).... Thanks for your support.
There is nothing in the Charter that states the RTM is required to go line by line in their yearly budget review. There is also no rule that prevents the RTM from thinking outside of the box and trying something new.
Except that the tax and spend status quo will be disrupted.
The taxpayers are not well served by existing tax and spend status quo.
During the RTM meeting recently it was interesting that three town council members got off their couches to come to the RTM meeting and scold the members for not using the RTM rubber stamp. These three chided the RTM for trying to pass an “illegitimate budget,” and “copping out,” among other things, when there was a motion on the floor to move last years number for the town operations portion of the budget.
In fact there was mention by the Mayor and Town Manager that this action MAY be illegal. Of course no facts were presented to back this up, and then the hook. The Town Manager stated that he could consult the Town Attorney, which would cost money, inferring the RTM members trying to make the change are responsible for “costing” the town attorney fees.
The majority of the RTM bought it hook, line and sinker.
This bold move to pass last years’ number for Town Operations would have served the taxpayers well as is evidenced in the fact that only one line item has been scaled back by the RTM to date. The RTM rubber stamp is getting a good workout.
The RTM is a democratic process right? Well maybe not. There was a comment made recently by a member to "run out the clock." Which was really an attempt to "silence the voice" of RTM members that the status quo tax and spend majority want to dismiss.
The RTM was also presented extensive research regarding the three town police budgets. Hours of research were spent by an RTM member in the history room at the library, researching national databases and with CERC personnel. This data was dismissed by the RTM as the debate (if you want to call it that) was manipulated to "liking" the police. Of course everyone “likes” the police, I can’t imagine a society with out law and order. However, statements such as “I like the police therefore I can't support” . . . whatever it is seem empty headed.
Back to the old example of the education budget. If you oppose board of education spending, you MUST be AGAINST education.
Decreasing the increase in the Town Police of a $6.2M budget would not have decreased the "safety" of anyone. Interestingly RTM members were practically begging the Police Chief to state that one penny cut would jeopardize “safety.” Of course he obliged. This is in stark contrast to the approach these same RTM members use when then they need to justify increasing budget items by stating “the RTM cannot tell the Town Manager” how to prioritize spending. Can’t have it both ways? Well yes they can, and well yes they do. The tax and spend status quo in both parties is the driving force behind never ending yearly tax increases.
Unfortunately the Town of Groton budget is about politics and personalities and, unless you are a part of the tax and spend status quo, you are dismissed.
In defense of myself, I believe I have always been respectful and polite. ALWAYS! However, that is not the case of the status quo tax and spend majority on the RTM. Mean spirited statements made recently toward “cutting” demonstrate immaturity and stretching the truth... when in fact there are NO proposals to “cut” anything. The only proposals have been to decrease the amount of the proposed increase. Demonizing myself and other members, who represent our districts and vote that way, stifles the debate and undermines the democratic process.
If the tax and spend status quo budget process allows that every line item has value and every expenditure is justified, it is impossible to avoid yearly tax increases. Providing the Town Manager with last years’ number is not “illegitimate” or a “cop out.” It was a new way to provide the taxpayers with a budget that may not have increased the mil rate 6.4% and raised property taxes. The taxpayers are not well served and cannot afford yearly tax increases, and the current tax and spend status quo budget process is not sustainable."