Drop The RTM, let Voters Vote

Groton RTM needs to be dropped

Published December 29. 2017 4:37PM - From the New London DAY

The Groton RTM was established to supposedly represent the
citizens in each political district. In my experience since 1980, this
rarely occurs. The only time RTM reps reach out to constituents is at
election time. Therefore, I've had more effective results by simply
addressing the Town Council directly by email or in public televised
comment sessions.

By my observation, RTM members seem to have
their own agendas. I recently tried to email one of their leaders and my
email was quickly returned ("timed out") by the receiver. I found out
later that the email address was actually at this person's place of
employment because he didn't want to be bothered at home by any
constituents’ emails. True story! So much for representation.

I want to vote directly on town budgets with competent people overseeing
finances. I consider myself well informed by watching Town Council
meetings and reading the newspaper on a regular basis. I don't want my
opinions buried in a redundant, outdated RTM system that really doesn't
represent my feelings, much less encourage my participation.

I therefore encourage Groton voters to support petitions being circulated by "Groton's Right to Vote."

Ed Johnson
Groton, CT