To the editor:

I urge all candidates for the Charter Review Commission to let the voters know how they stand on the issues regarding the Town Charter. Voters need to be informed and it is our responsibilities as candidates to make it as easy as possible for voters to make a decision on who they can trust with recommendations to the charter.

Many of the 24 candidates have been silent up to this point and there is so little time before the Special Election on July. Please do not lose an opportunity to inform the very people that will entrust you to make informed charter recommendations on their behalf by continuing to remain silent.

Stating generic language such as I am a fresh face, I will listen to all voters, I can compromise, the charter needs to be clarified, I will make improvements that will serve all citizens, is nothing more than characterizations that most candidates will display. What the voters need is reasons why they should choose nine candidates out of 24 that will represent them, and they cannot do that intelligently and thoughtfully without the knowledge that only you as a candidate can provide.

After years of not addressing the Town Charter as a whole entity, I am sure there will be many areas of revision to address but let’s not hide the fact that the budget process, including a newly crafted article addressing the casino revenue, will be the major focus for the formation of the FY2018 Charter Review Commission. Be strong on your convictions and tell the voters of Tiverton exactly how you stand on the issues, stop the silence and stop the generic statements that tell the voters nothing. Honestly answer all questions from every group that provides a candidate survey,

Laura Rom

Tiverton
Candidate for Tiverton Charter Review Commission.