To the Editor:
Please participate in the Wilton Annual Town Meeting tonight, Tuesday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Clune Center at the High School.
Wilton has a Town Meeting Form of government, which provides the opportunity as well as the expectation and responsibility for residents gathering as a group to address the needs of the town. Many New England towns have moved away from this form of government, but Wilton recognizes the value of direct citizen involvement.
This form of government depends on participation. Our Town Charter requires that 15-percent of the electorate vote for a budget for it to be voted down. Last year the majority of voters voted ‘No’ on the budget! However, because we did not hit the 15-percent threshold of voter participation, the budget automatically passed.
This year I would love to see more people participate in the discussion at the Town Meeting. Hopefully the good turnout at the public hearing on the Board of Education budget is a positive indicator.
We just had a Presidential Primary election with turnout for Republicans at 50 percent and Democrats at 58 percent. Last fall we had a municipal election with about a 37 percent voter turnout.
Many volunteers invest countless hours serving on town boards – such as Selectmen, Finance and Education. Respect the work they have done and come hear their reports, share your views and VOTE.
Immediately following the Annual Town Meeting residents can vote. Voting will then be suspended until Saturday when the polls will be open again.
Come hear the discussion on the complexities setting this budget, especially with the uncertainty of the State Education Cost Sharing. Express your views and VOTE!
Deborah McFadden
Chair
Wilton Democratic Town Committee