To the editor:

One vote for every person, every resident, and every taxpayer — that is the key to solving this town’s governmental problems of representation, as it has the appearance of favoritism towards one group or another of its citizen taxpayers. 

Financial issues should be decided by every taxpayer. 

However, I do understand that many taxpayers do not appreciate their right to make important and sometimes community life changing decisions by getting to the polls and voting i.e. doing their part to govern. But, in the way the FTM is now, as well as other decision types of meetings, not everyone can get into the building and, if too many are in the building they are not in the arena where the main event is taking place or they are outnumbered by a favored group.  

When these types of things happen every year and, people are not able to be heard it gives the feeling of, “Well since I am never able to have a vote in important town matters there is nothing that I can do.”  

The town’s government either does not want admit that this is true, or they do not want to admit that this is no longer a small village that has grown into a town and, that voices are literally drowned out by the favored few.

I remember a town meeting where the building of the beach bath house was supposed to be discussed. Many of us who were not in favor of the idea came and waited our turn. It was very late when the decision was made to adjourn. Our voices were never heard in that meeting. 

The point is that all taxpayers must be given the chance to decide on issues that will affect themselves and their community in an open fair way, voting at the polls, (no gerrymandering allowed).

It is time for a more open vessel from our town government to accomplish this.

Barbara Flanders

Barrington