Favors Discussion

At Town Meeting

It is frustrating to attend Town Meeting in Randolph every year only to be stifled by the Vermont statute which prohibits discussion from the floor on anything being voted by Australian ballot.

Many thanks to Reps. French and Hutchinson for introducing a bill that would amend Sec. 1. 17 V.S.A. § 2640(c) to allow "discussion of ballot issues and all other issues appearing in the warning, other than the election of candidates" at the annual meeting, even if those issues are on the Australian ballot.

I also appreciate Warren Preston's willingness to complain about this every year so that I don't have to.

I hope we someday we will again be permitted to listen to our neighbors during this important public forum, and exercise free speech on Town Meeting Day.

Barb Baumann

Randolph