NOTES FROM THE OLD NOANK JAIL

It is that time of year when some folks ask me who I plan to vote for in the local elections. The assumption is that I watch local politics pretty closely, am aware of most major issues and have reasonable intelligence. The last assumption can be argued, of course, especially by folks who don’t agree with me.

In any case, as of Saturday, 10/28/11 at 4:10 PM, here are my selections:

For Town Council – Republicans: Streeter, Obeirne, Somers, Watson, Antipas and Flax; Democrats Schmidt, Seminaro and Johnson

For Board of Ed – Democrats: Volkman; Republicans: Gardner and Gilly

For RTM – District 8 – Democrats: Cerf (I vote only in district 8 )

The above lists have some “holes” and omissions where I am still making up my mind. But I feel comfortable with these current choices at this point on the following issues:

1) We have a very big ongoing problem with property taxes and with loss of commercial business in Groton. The Groton Town Budget needs to actually be REDUCED in order not to increase the load on residential taxpayers. The best method will be to establish estimated income FIRST and THEN establish the necessary budgets AFTERWARDS. Up until now, the Town has not done this.

2) Connected to the above is the Groton School Budget. In previous years, the BOE and the present superintendent have primarily advocated for expansion, new construction and increased administrative salaries. Supposedly, they were advocating for the school children. In the process, it is safe to say that they were NOT advocating on behalf of the taxpayers.

3) Additionally, we have had recent, disturbing problems with money and construction project management. The Mystic Streetscape sidewalk expansion, under the auspices of the Groton Planning Department, has been a major disappointment for many people as well as being a contributing factor for at least one Mystic business failure thus far. And the Fitch H.S. Baseball Field construction project for the “Mystic Schooners” Ball Club, under the supervision of the School Superintendent, has gone from a “tax free” installation, with a generous donation of $500K to cover all costs, to a $650K mess with cost overruns never properly authorized by the Town Council or the Taxpayers…in fact, these have come as a complete surprise.

These, and similar issues, need to be addressed by elected representatives who will take responsibility for proper oversight and resolution, bearing in mind that THE TAXPAYERS ELECTED THEM TO PROPERLY REPRESENT THE TAXPAYERS…and not necessarily the employees of the Town or other parties.

In my opinion, the above personnel voting selection represents a group of people who will be sincere in their efforts to control costs, reign in the “elephant” that has been the school budget and encourage business interests in Groton.

I may have some additional selections within the next week and will post them accordingly. If any of you readers have specific questions regarding these choices, you can E-mail me at: Ed_Johnson@tvcconnect.net
and I will reply to you directly.

Thank you for your time and your interest.