Clarifying The Vote

To the Editor:

People in Newtown want their town leaders to give them the right to participate fully in the governing process. For example, last year, following the defeat of the budget, some people said the defeat was due to a desire that the budget be increased. Perhaps, but what is needed is the opportunity for clarity of the vote.

When people show the initiative to vote, they want the vote to clearly represent their wishes. A ballot that permits clarity of the voters’ wishes empowers the voters and gives all of us a constructive way to express our differences in our diverse community.

We need to have budget referendum ballots that permit clear expression of our wishes. Just as the selectmen’s budget and the educational budget are developed separately during the funding process, so should they be voted on separately on the budget referendum ballot. Additionally, if a person votes down any budget, then the person should have the opportunity to indicate whether the budget should be increased or decreased. Providing these opportunities requires only simple changes in the budget referendum ballot.

Many people in our community are asking for more clarity in government and more meaningful voter participation. This is an opportune time to provide such constructive change. The current revision of the town charter could include the improved voter rights and opportunities provided by a more comprehensive budget referendum ballot. If you agree, contact your selectmen, council people, and/or Charter Revision Commission members to express your views.

James A. Bergeron

Brushy Hill Road, Newtown                                               May 2, 2007