Groton charter change would empower taxpayers

OnNov. 6, Groton voters will have a chance to make positive and historic changes to Groton’s government by approving the proposed new charter. Groton’s Right to Vote is advocating for these changes. For Groton residents, it is important to understand how we got here and what will happen if the proposed charter is approved.

The impetus for a Charter Revision Commission began in September of 2015, when the Representative Town Meeting, by resolution, requested that the Town Council establish such a commission. In the spring of 2016, the council appointed an 11-member commission that was reflective of the town’s population mix.

The members met for 15 months, followed Robert’s Rules of Order, conducted extensive research and held hours of public debate. Attorneys for the town reviewed and signed off on the final report as meeting all legal requirements.

Subsequently, about 2,400 residents signed the petition to get the proposed charter on the ballot in November. The proposed new charter resulted from over two years’ effort that included the council, the Charter Revision Commission, Groton town staff and a couple thousand citizens. The work on the charter revision was inclusive and extensive — not the work of a “small group of people,” as some claim.

In brief, the proposed charter would:

Maintain the Town Council/ Town Manager form of government. The Town Council would still set policy for the town, be elected atlarge, and stay at nine members. The town manager would still execute policy and run the town. Virtually no change to the core of our town government is proposed.

Create a transparent annual budget development process, including formal settings for citizen input and significant emphasis on budget guidance by the Town Council.

Require that residents vote annually on a bifurcated budget, one for the town, one for education.

Establish a new Board of Finance, a stand-alone elected body, in place to support the council in financial matters and keep the public informed.

Dissolve the RTM and therefore, by law, require minority representation on the council.

The proposed charter entails more changes than outlined here, and given their importance we want to make sure that the voters are fully informed. The GRTV initiative will be hosting three evening information sessions at the Groton Library: Sept. 26, Oct. 23 and 30.

Citizens can visit our website, GRTV2018.org to get the details on these sessions, access a set of frequently asked questions, contact us with questions and concerns, and schedule a meeting with a GRTV member for more information for you or your group.