It’s Election Time in Somers

We are in the midst of a very important local election year.  It has been a year with turmoil and infighting on the National and State level where most of us are very sensitive to the way our politicians have abandoned the reason they were elected, simply to do what is best for the Country and State.  In our Town of Somers, you are provided a choice.  What is disturbing of late is a whisper campaign being waged by an opponent, who in a door to door campaign represents a scathing, negative view on where the Town of Somers is right now and claims that our Town has been damaged by the current Board of Selectmen.

True leadership is not about frightening, delivering innuendos, mis truths and half-truths to the citizens.  It is about standing above the fray, delivering the services expected and fulfilling the needs of a community, and being inspirational.  The current Board of Selectmen has done just that.  It is a credit to them that they work in harmony to serve this Town, something that our State and Federal Governments cannot seem to do.

Please do not listen to the naysayers who say that things are not getting done or that clear leadership is not present.  These same naysayers are also advising against voting for approval of the bond issue and Somers Charter Revision. 

On the topic of the Somers Charter Revision, countless hours were spent by dedicated volunteers to review the Charter and recommend changes that are not all that different from what is currently contained in our Charter.  On the advice of the Town Attorney, the Charter needed to more clearly define the intent, leaving less open to interpretation.  The Committee deserves to be commended for their efforts.

To insure the necessity of a large part of the Bond issuance The Board of Finance requested the hiring of a Team of Engineers from the University of New Hampshire to do a complete road assessment of the Town. They confirmed the recommendation of the Town Engineer and the head of Somers DPW. The recommendation by the Board of Finance for bonding road construction came upon review and acceptance of a systematic plan to repair and maintain the roads for years to come.  At the current time, finance rates are favorable for bonding the selected roads, school roofs, fire equipment and a senior bus.  By combining some existing Bonds with a plan to fund prioritized needs agreed to by the Board of Finance, we will save on the existing Bonds by refinancing them at better current rates. This will also save Tax dollars on existing debt retirement.

I feel it is in the best interest of all of the voters in Somers to vote YES on bonding and charter revision and return the current Board of Selectmen to office.

They have served us well over the last four years.  

 

One last thing, No matter who you choose to vote for, get out and vote.

 

Especially in Local Elections, Every Vote Counts.

 

Karl Walton (life resident)

Somers CT