Aquarion Roundup: Last Pitches from Supporters and Opponents

Check back here throughout the day for updates and results.

Polls open at 6:30 a.m. for a referendum to hopefully settle the contentious Aquarion water deal that would see Bethel water rights passing to the company. And both supporters and opponents have taken to the Municipal Center, social media and the streets of Bethel to make their final pitches.

On Tuesday, First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker submitted a Letter to the Editor claiming a "Yes" vote "would bring our water quality to state standards and begin upgrades to the aging infrastructure."

But opponents have spoken loudly as well. On Bethel Patch's boards, Cynthia McCorkindale shared an article from national environmental advocacy group Food and Water Watch claiming the sale would amount to a "tax through the tap."

On Wednesday, McCorkindale and Bethel Action Committee chair Billy Michael announced they were filing a complaint with the State Elections Commission against "Vote Yes for Clean Drinking Water" treasurer Peter S. Olson. Michael and McCorkindale claim he accepted donations from Aquarion "in excess of the Statutory limits on what businesses are allowed to contribute to political action committees formed for the purpose of a referendum."

Opponents raised the charges against Aquarion after Tuesday's public meeting. Michael says Aquarion's alleged donation is $145.90 over the proscribed limit according to state law. As of Wednesday night, neither Aquarion officials nor Olson could be reached for comment. Patch will provide updates when more information is available.

How will you be voting? Let us know in the comments.