Watching the happenings within local Tiverton government is often confusing and disheartening – electors supporting officials whose records are abysmal or carrying out character assassinations on people who they don’t know; neighbors avoiding any local government involvement for fear of spiteful repercussions; surrounding communities laughing at Tiverton because of it.

Why would anyone want to volunteer for office and expose themselves to the bad actors of our community? Why would I?

I simply believe that any local elected position is about serving the community, and wanting to volunteer time and energy. I don’t have a personal agenda. I don’t believe that the BC’s job is to enact public policy. Besides, I would never vote on any issue that might remotely be perceived as a conflict of interest.

I do believe that townspeople have a right to know, honestly and transparently, without threats and hidden agendas, the benefits and costs of any budgetary option laid before them – and, if elected to the BC, I hope that I could help improve that in Tiverton’s process.

Thor Aakre

Candidate for Tiverton Budget Committee