Groton Voters

Groton Voting Day 2018

Groton voters turned out to vote this week and some highlights of the day included the arrival of David Belval and his mother Dorothy who is 93 years old. “We wanted to get out to the polls today,” His mother always tries to get to the polls and this election is just as important as others and maybe even more so. They both thanked those at the polls for their assistance and in helping show Dorothy her way to the voting slot.

The yes voters and no voters for the charter were out in droves and signs were held for each side with red and white posters for NO voters such as Ian Thomas helping for that side and Robert Frink holding a YES sign for the other side. Ultimately, the NO votes prevailed with the electorate rejecting changes to the Groton Charter that would have eliminated the RTM and implemented a finance board, 4 year council terms. The voters seemed worried about the balance of power throughout the town with only a nine member council making decisions for the entire town elected at large.

Sandra Champion for example said, “This is why it’s America, we don’t have to agree but we have to respect.” She is an independent voter and wanted to show her support for the cause.

Bunny Mishkin who lives in senior housing said, “everybody has to vote because if they complain it’s their own fault if they didn’t vote.”

With changes this year in our governor and now Federal House of Representatives, the state and country will see some challenges financially and locally as funding for present federal, state, and local services will be expanded, disbanded or creatively acted upon such as the controversial tolls up for debate.

It seems to be the traditional question that lies ahead of where the citizens of the state and country want their tax dollars to go. Time will tell a new tale on this future road.

By: Andrew Parrella