Town meeting has lower than expected turnout

Town meeting has lower than expected turnout.

Morality clashes with reality on some issues. Partisan politics get turned down on both sides of the aisle.

By Jon Alden

EverythingWestport.com

Saturday, May 9, 2008

See photos of the annual Town Meeting here, only on EverythingWestport.com 125 photos | Dial-up speed | Broadband/DSL speed |

“Usually we get 400 to 500 at opening night,” says Town Clerk Marlene Samson. Town Moderator Steve Fors (left) reported the first night attendance totals at 328, and the second night a dismal 228! Suspicion on low turnout may be directed at voter apathy over the state of our economy and national politics. Budget articles got approved with little fanfare. The library roof was the hot topic of the first evening, even though it had near unanimous approval; the Finance Committee’s recommendation against the appropriation set off the furor. The fire station article got unanimous approval in less than 60 seconds; a fire station debt exclusion ballot question (2 ½ override) will be held June 17 for the voter’s consideration. Jack Sisson, Highway Surveyor fought against personnel and money cuts successfully with a cost-conscious Finance Committee - this issue was a bleed-over from a recent Selectmen’s meeting. Oscar Palmer Farm gets well-deserved Acquisition/Restriction funds of $400,000 for historic preservation. Lots of town housekeeping. The free cash account was in dispute, and Town Accountant Terry Provencal provided guidance. The Town Meeting picked up again at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 7 with Article 30.

From the left: (1) Our Board of Selectmen. (2) Highway Surveyor Harold “Jack” Sisson. (3) Finance Committee members had their hands full with budgeting woes. (4) Town Clerk Marlene Samson (right) with Beverly Kut.

Attempts to reinforce Planning Board personnel and programs to support their expanding agenda met with opposition. The Child Safety Zone article was shot down in flames from its supporters, the Board of Selectmen as they, and the Police Chief, determined it was unenforceable. The Trustees of Reservations requested and got approval for long-term leasing options on the Town Farm (formally the Town Poor Farm). The Free Cash account came under attack at almost every turn. Terry Provencal, town accountant was called upon several times from the floor to explain exactly how much free cash was in the coffers.

From the left: (1) Terry Provencal, Town Accountant. (2) Brenda Burke, former Board of Health member. (3) Selectman Gary Mauk. (4) Selectmen ponder the Route 6 Adult Entertainment Overlay District while Planning Board Chairman Jon Montano explains the article. (5) Police Chief Keith Pelletier.

Right-wing and left wing politics to control elected positions through recall or ballot issues were heavily debated, and eventually turned down. The watercraft Noise article was approved - Harbormaster Richie Earle will now patrol for noise and nuisance on our fair waters. Proposals to accept several roads as public ways were handily passed including one to formalize Main Road!

Morality clashed with reality as townspeople and town leaders differed on the Route 6 Adult Entertainment Overlay District. Over one and ½ hours were spent deciding this article. Planning Board Chairman John Montano explained in detail, and was supported unanimously by Selectmen and Town Counsel, the need to accept this article, and the consequences to the town if rejected. The article withstood attempts to amend and then amend the amendment to alter the available lots in the district. Several residents gave impassioned pleas not to approve this article. Even Moderator Steve Fors lost track in the parliamentary proceedings of what votes were being taken and for what! At 10:30 p.m. a vote was taken. It was close. This article required 2/3 majority to pass. Moderator Steve Fors called for volunteers to take a physical count. The sworn in counters did their duty, and it was determined that 108 were for, and 53 were against. The article was accepted. The auditorium was emptying as the last two articles were brought to the floor. Both were accepted.

Town meeting formally closed at 10:50 p.m.

There are 11,009 registered voters in Westport. Only 161 voters took part in perhaps the most controversial article to be, or may ever be, presented at Town Meeting. It’s a sad commentary that only 1.5 percent of our registered voters determined the fate of Article 16.

See photos of the annual Town Meeting here, only on EverythingWestport.com 125 photos | Dial-up speed | Broadband/DSL speed |

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