A bipartisan group of North Stonington citizens met throughout the fall and winter to discuss ways to improve communication between the Town’s Board of Selectmen and the people. The group chose first to focus on town meetings specifically and met with the Selectmen at their recent board meeting.
The Communication Study Group asked for eight improvements in the Town Meeting process including clearly posting important information on the town website, on the elementary school’s roadside marquee and the sandwich board used for recreation information. They argued that no longer is news and information learned solely from newspapers.
Of particular importance was the need to establish an impartial pool of three trained moderators for the purpose of running town meetings. Recently either the same moderator was put forth for election or a selectman was chosen giving rise to questioning the democratic process.
The group wanted materials that are to be presented at town meetings be made available for study three days in advance rather than at the night of the town meeting as has recently was occurring.
Should a petition be felt necessary, filing procedures should be made available on the town website and the selectmen need to identify what constitutes a quorum for such meetings. Should a voice or hand vote be inconclusive, or should a citizen ask for a paper ballot the selectmen need to establish clear rules for implementing the vote.
Considerable discussion surrounded the need or requirement for speakers to identify themselves as members of the town or perhaps interested others from another town. Past practice was simply to ask for a speakers name and address. The audience was surprised when Selectman Murphy stated that the Freedom of Information regulations indicated otherwise. Senator Maynard was able to later verify that it continues to be acceptable to ask for a speakers name and address, but the speaker is not required to do so. Maynard’s office added that rarely in their study have speakers refused when asked to identify themselves.
In order to bring order and consistency to this basic and most fundamental right of a New England town meeting, an ordinance incorporating these suggestions was requested. Bill Ricker, the Study Group moderator, asked the Board of Selectmen to consider the group recommendations and get back to them prior to another town meeting being called.
Bill Ricker
21-A Wyassup Road
North Stonington, CT
williamricker@comcast.net
860-535-2426
Anne Nelson's Hope For The Future.....
The following has been placed by our Town and appears under EMPLOYMENT:
"Town of North Stonington is seeking an Animal Control Officer The individual is responsible for all duties in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes. Part time, no benefits. Salaried position, on call 24/7.
Applications available at the Selectmen’s Office, 40 Main Street, North Stonington, CT, will close May 21, 2012."
Several months ago I got involved with a stray dog that ended up at our Animal Control Center. Without going into detail, I learned it is not a place an animal-lover would like to see a dog incarcerated.
The facility is old, has few amenities and is under-utilized in North Stonington. Were the Town to entertain upgrading the facility, it would require a minimum of $250,000 due to code changes since our center was constructed.
Both Stonington and Preston have built state-of-the-art facilities with full-time people overseeing their animals needs. Might North Stonington save money on staffing and caring for its animals by working with either of these towns to care for our dogs at a per animal charge.
The dogs would be happier and the town would save $$$. Would love to hear your comments.....Marilyn Mackay
05/04/2012
