The Ayes Have it: Its All, for the Residents of Bethel

The All or Nothing Town Hall meeting resulted in 87 ayes and 57 nays in favor of passing a recommendation for the Board of Selectmen to create an ordinance. The ordinance would require that all residents receive an alert of an upcoming referendum.

 The lively debate lasted an hour and a half, with voices from the Board of Education, many parents and members of other town boards giving their interpretation of the ordinance.  

 The first portion of the meeting focused on the changed wording in the Call to Meeting.

The original petition had called to “compel and urge” the selectman to enact an ordinance that promised communication to all residents, however, when the Call to meeting was announced, the language was change to “recommend.”  The language was replaced through an amendment during the meeting.

 Billy Michael said, “The selectmen are now compelled and urged to make the ordinance.”  

 A full photo story with detailed captions will be posted on Bethel Patch later this morning.