To the editor:

Over the past eight months of a year-long term, I have had the distinct pleasure of serving as a member of your Tiverton Charter Review Commission. I, alongside eight other members, was elected by the majority of voters in town to review, amend, and propose changes to the Tiverton Home Rule Charter. Most importantly, we were elected by you to ensure that you retain the ability to control taxes through the Financial Town Referendum (FTR) and to protect the new casino gaming revenue from entering into pet project slush funds. That revenue should bring direct relief to the taxpayers of Tiverton.

I have to say I am more than proud and impressed on how organized the Charter Review Commission has conducted its duly elected responsibilities thus far and the level of professionalism of its members is unparalleled to any other legislative body within Tiverton. I am privileged to work for you so that any of your charter concerns are heard and not shelved. 

This leads me to a startling discovery over the past few weeks. There seems to be confusion at town hall, specifically the Town Council. They are self-admittedly drowning in disorganization and in-fighting. Even small tasks like ensuring their meeting minutes are submitted properly and on time has proven to be a difficult task to accomplish. Now the Town Council threatens to block the proposals that the CRC has worked so hard on from reaching your eyes. Newsflash Town Council — we were not appointed by you, rather we were elected by the people of Tiverton and you have no right nor authority to silence the great work of the CRC and the will of the voters.

If you do not realize this by now, I'm not confident that the Town Council fully grasps the seriousness of hiding behind politically motivated shenanigans — grow up! The clock is ticking on your terms and I am looking forward to seeing much needed change within the Town Council when the voters voice their displeasure by not rewarding you for your disorganization and petty grudges.

The Charter Review Commission will continue to work diligently on great proposals that the voters will see on the ballot despite the efforts of certain members on the Town Council to block what the Charter Review Commission was elected to do. 

Justin W. La Croix

Tiverton

Mr. La Croix is a member of the Charter Review Commission.