Bipartisan group opposes Groton charter revisions

A coalition of Republicans, Democrats and unaffiliated voters has come together to oppose the proposed changes to the Groton town charter. Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/votenogrotoncharter.

The group is led by J.C. Ambroise, former moderator of the Representative Town Meeting. It includes nearly every current and former town mayor, a large number of elected officials and concerned citizens.

Their concerns include:

-- An annual budget referendum opens the door to a small faction controlling spending. Turnout for these votes in nearby towns ranges from 7-25%, even for the most contentious issues.

Education budgets often are the targets of these votes. Whoever can generate the most publicity and get the most people to the polls could win the day.

-- Longer terms for town councilors and a toothless Board of Finance give voters fewer options to hold officials accountable.

-- Eliminating the Representative Town Meeting removes one of the checks and balances against the Town Council. It also removes a forum for diverse public discussion, meaningful deliberation and involvement by citizens.

For more information, including a draft of the new charter and minority reports written by opponents, go to http://www.groton-ct.gov/depts...