Letter: What Problems Are We Solving?

To the Editor:

Before changing the Charter, we should ask: What problems are we solving, and why should Weston give up its protections?

Question 1: Expands One-Party Control

Connecticut has had a minority-representation law since 1959. Weston has historically gone further than state law, limiting any political party to a bare majority on town boards and commissions to ensure different perspectives have a seat at the table.

A yes vote on Question 1 would increase the number of seats one political party can hold on a board or commission. The current majority party makes up fewer than 40 percent of Weston voters, yet the proposed change would permit that party to hold five of seven (71.4%) seats on a board. Regardless of which party holds the majority, this is not an outcome we should accept.

Why change a system designed to encourage working together in favor of one that permits greater concentration of political power?

Question 2: Strips Residents’ Rights at the ATBM

A yes vote on Question 2 eliminates residents’ authority to reduce or eliminate budget line items at the Annual Town Budget Meeting (ATBM) before the budget goes to referendum. Currently, residents can directly shape the budget at the ATBM, and any changes they make are subject to a townwide vote.

In recent years, residents have turned out in numbers well above the required quorum. That is democracy in action, not a broken system. Attending the ATBM can be inconvenient for some, but the answer is to encourage participation and improve accessibility, not eliminate residents’ authority.

The ATBM gives residents a meaningful voice. Why should we surrender that right?

Question 3: Weakens Financial Oversight

Question 3 bundles numerous Charter changes, including allowing the Board of Selectmen to approve transfers of up to $35,000 within a department and $15,000 between departments without prior Board of Finance approval.

There is no limit on the number of these transfers. Multiple transfers could be approved without prior Board of Finance review, potentially moving substantial sums over the course of a fiscal year.

The proposal also doubles the Board of Selectmen’s supplemental appropriation authority, increasing the per-department limit from $5,000 to $10,000 and the aggregate limit from $50,000 to $100,000.

Financial oversight is not an obstacle to effective government. It is an essential part of responsible government.

Protecting Weston’s Voice

I believe in giving residents a greater voice in the decisions that affect our town, not taking that voice away. That principle has guided my work on the Board of Selectmen, including championing regular public comment at our meetings.

We need a government that welcomes different viewpoints, encourages collaboration, maintains independent financial oversight, and remains accountable to residents.

We should not weaken our current Charter’s protections without a compelling reason. I have not heard one.

I encourage all residents to learn about the proposed changes and make an informed decision on November 3rd.

Lauren Traum
Member, Weston Board of Selectmen
These views are my own and do not represent the Board of Selectmen.

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