Vote Duff to Avoid "Fundamental Transformation" of Bethel

As Election Day approaches, Bethel’s incumbent First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker has made frequent references to the poisonous atmosphere of past administrations. However, his own tenure has not been toxin-free. Mr. Knickerbocker’s past two years have been a direct assault on the democratic process, citizens’ rights, government transparency and basic equality.

You see, Bethel’s First Selectman does not treat all voters equally.

For example, voters were not vetted by registrars at the January, 2012 Town Meeting on the Franc property. Why not?

Yet, voters were vetted at the April, 2012 Town Meeting that was initiated by the Bethel Action Committee’s All or None petition. Why?

When the location of that meeting was changed to the Senior Center, those lucky enough to be parents of Bethel students were exclusively notified using the school communication systems. This administration made no effort to reach the remaining taxpayers via radio news broadcast or other means. Why not?

Then, prior to assembly, the Town Attorney changed the call of that historic meeting from what had been legally warned in the News Times. Why?

To be fair, all three Selectmen treated citizens equally badly when they denied a vote on the Old Town Hall demolition. Recently, they carried on secret negotiations for a $7-million sale of our public water supply to Aquarion for over a year, with the intention of bypassing the Board of Finance and the voters. However, they were ultimately advised by the Town Attorney that prior approval was required by Town Charter.

I believe that, as a reaction to two successful citizen petitions – one for a special Town Meeting (All or None) and one for a referendum (Old Town Hall demolition); the Selectmen have charged the Charter Revision Commission with myriad changes to the Town Charter. For example, currently under their review are: A 5-member Board of Selectmen with 4-year terms; a disempowered Board of Finance; and the implementation of nearly impossible petition requirements for citizens who dare to challenge the actions of elected officials.