This is primarily a followup to Groton citizens who supported our Charter revision efforts. I am also including some folks who did not agree with making these revision, but who may feel personally that some smaller changes need to be made….just in a different way. In this manner, rather than say that the system is broken and needs to be replaced, we are suggesting that the system is not operating efficiently and needs to be serviced.

1) This comment below was on the DAY internet, written by a Groton Citizen. If any of you want to see movement on these excellent points, you will need to start by taking personal action, writing the Town Council and RTM % the Town Clerk    (bmoukawsher@groton-ct.gov)    and expressing your feelings accordingly. Basically, they need to hear from as many people as possible. One voice by itself is not going to be as effective as 100 or more letters or E-mails by 100 or more of you.

 “Very proud of Groton voters tonight. Well-done! Now the real work begins. While I am glad for this result, I do think it is important to consider the value and legitimacy of some of the criticism targeted towards the RTM by the Vote YES supporters. I’m not sure how it can or should happen, but there should be some form of attend in articlesance requirement, some form of consistent community outreach effort and, perhaps, some way to shift the body’s involvement on the budget towards an earlier moment in the process – where they could use the citizens’ input to help shape the focus and intent of the budget. Also, as a means of addressing some concerns and extending an inclusive embrace, the RTM and Town Council could empower the RTM’s Finance Committee to act in a fashion similar to how the proposed Board of Finance would have worked, as a forecasting and advisory body.”

2) Here’s also a summary of how many of our committee members feel about our Revision efforts and for the future…..

• We proved that a petition drive in Groton can deliver a mandate.  Over 5000 Groton citizens heard us.
• We proved that civil discourse is the rule of the day.   We held ourselves to high standards.
• We proved that there is a strong desire for better government in Groton.
• We planted the seeds of change….calls for changes to the RTM regarding attendance, engagement and more financial oversight are surfacing (such as the above citizen’s remarks).
• And we proved that the citizens of Groton can rally around an issue in a non-partisan manner.

As a committee, we are proud of what we did and what we tried to accomplish. The ball is now in your court. And if any of you feel strongly enough to take it even one step further, you can speak publicly for 3 to 5 minutes directly at Council and RTM meetings in what is called “citizens petitions.”

Because…..if no one follows up on what just happened…..nothing will change. The door is open…….

Thank you all again for your support.                          Ed Johnson