Why to Vote for the New Groton Town Charter

To my readers, 10/18/2018

As most of you know, I have wanted to see a change in our Town of
Groton's government for many years and have written on the subject
previously. I have always wanted to be able to vote directly on the
Town and School budgets, rather than have someone else make that
decision for me. I grant that increased town percentage costs in excess of my
social security income adjustments ("cola") play a role in my thinking.

I'm advised the present form of Government was created in 1957. Back
then, communication was not what we have now. The RTM itself was
designed to represent the population because the RTM would be "better
informed." Over time, I observed the RTM become much more closely
allied with the needs of the Groton Board of Education and Superintendent,
and not necessarily the RTM constituents. I watched this alliance build for
many years after moving here full-time with my family and becoming active
in the community as of 1978.

I submit that times have changed in the 60 plus years since 1957; we can
watch & listen to Town Council meetings on TV, we can now easily
read the Town Charter, the proposed Charter Revision and the actual Town
Budget...all on the Internet. We don't need an extra government body to
"represent" us on subjects that we can now evaluate and judge for ourselves,
and the proposed 7 - person Finance Committee will greatly help the Council.

Plus, 4 year terms make sense to me, making the Council more productive.

In recent years, I have not been contacted by any local RTM reps
except at election time. My E-mails have not produced replies. One
was even returned as being "timed out"... some of you know that story.
In any case, I found I had better success by dealing directly with the
Town Council and Town Manager.

I joined the "Vote Yes for new Charter Revision" group because their goal
matches my own. They are well organized and most of the GRTV
members have more experience in Town affairs than myself, including some
who have served directly on the RTM. So I support their effort 100 %.....

I write you today as an individual who feels strongly that change is needed.

Please be sure to VOTE on 11/6/18 at your normal polling locations.

Please vote "YES" in favor of the New Charter Revisions. Thank you.

Ed Johnson