Letter: Tiverton, make smart choices at the polls this year

Posted 7/12/18

I think 20 candidates to run for Town Council in Tiverton is a record! All but one current councilor is running again. Did they think they did a good job?  I think they were the most …

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Letter: Tiverton, make smart choices at the polls this year

Posted

I think 20 candidates to run for Town Council in Tiverton is a record! All but one current councilor is running again. Did they think they did a good job?  I think they were the most dysfunctional Council in the past 10 years.

If they weren’t, how come they had more meetings than any previous council in the past 10 years? Isn’t that a waste of taxpayer money? I think it is.

Also, I think before someone puts their name in to be on the Town Council, they should be aware of what has been going on in the town, know the players, and know what needs to be fixed. I think some of these people who put their hats in the ring are clueless, so good luck with that.

What I am saying is that before you go to the polls and vote there are a few simple rules to be followed:

1. Don’t vote for someone just because they are somebody’s son or daughter. That is not a good criteria.

2. Don’t vote for someone just because they are your best friend’s neighbor and have only lived in town for a few years.

3. Don’t vote for someone just because they have been in the seat for a number of years. Some who are in have been ineffective. Name recognition does not mean they should remain in office.

4. Certainly don’t vote for someone who ran on a conservative platform and when they got into office they didn’t meet a dollar they did not want to spend.  There are a few of those who are current candidates.

I only can say these things, as I will be moving to Little Compton and will no longer be any part of the politics in this town. I did think the casino would be an asset to the town, but seven people (the current Town Council) want to make it so that they and they only, vote for where the money goes, instead of letting the voters decide.  Another blown play, I think. 

Remember, “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Give the Town Council too much power and watch things go downhill in a hurry.  This is just my point of view.

Madeline O’Dell

Tiverton

Ms. O’Dell is a former budget committee member and resident of Tiverton for the past 50+ years.

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