It isn’t every day that you hear about your town government issuing surveys to get your feedback on what improvements you would like to see in the town and school budgets. You also don’t normally hear about towns having informational sessions or community dialogue meetings to take the time to hear from taxpayers on their ideas to help move things forward in a positive manner. I can’t remember ever getting a postcard in the mail informing me of when and where to vote.
However uncommon all of this sounds, this is exactly what is happening in North Stonington at this very time. You could argue that leadership is only taking these steps because of the inability to pass a budget (over the past three times they have tried). You can say that the survey that was administered was flawed and the questions that were asked really weren’t written in the best way. You can criticize the postcard that the town recently sent listing the dates of the upcoming meeting dates and say that it lacked some information, or wasn’t designed properly.
While all these statements might have some truth, you cannot argue the fact that leadership in this town is taking every step they can to solicit feedback on how to make improvements to our budget and our town. They are going out of their way to try and find the answers that will help please the majority of the town and get us moving in a positive direction.
Now it is our turn. The opportunity is there for those who are interested in having a voice. It is our responsibility as taxpayers to let that voice be heard. If you are interested in sharing your positive feedback on what you would like to see included in our upcoming budget please make an effort to attend the community dialog meeting on September 17th, 2012 from 7-9pm at the North Stonington Elementary School. This is your chance to talk to the people who make the decisions in your town. Several weeks later after the feedback is examined they will hold a Town meeting to review the newly revised budget on October 15th at 7pm. Finally on October 22nd we will vote on that budget anytime between 12-8pm at the New Town Hall.
Whether you are like me and want to make sure that our children receive the best education possible IN our great little town or if you just want to make sure that our streets remain safe and our water clean-this is a great opportunity to voice your opinion.
Even if you can’t make this meeting or any meeting, please take the time to vote on October 22nd. In a town as small as ours it is very clear that our vote really does count. Take the time to come out that day and make a difference for your community!
Mike Urgo
North Stonington resident
