While most spent the anniversary of Sept. 11 remembering the heroes who died for our freedom, the Democrats in Branford were taking one of those freedoms away. On a party-line vote, Democrats in the RTM Rules and Ordinances Committee voted on Sept. 11 to eliminate the citizens' petition provision. The RTM affirmed the decision with another party-line vote the next night. It was done quickly, under the cover of darkness. Why, you might ask?

Representative David Baker (D) said that if and when a representative feels like it, he or she can decide to bring a constituent issue to the RTM. Representative Margaret Bruno (D) was more honest, explaining Democrats' motivations by noting bitterly that citizen petitions are dangerous, allowing citizens to go around them and take away their power. In an ironic, typically confusing statement, Representative Josh Brooks (D), who advocated repeal, explained he'd encouraged Walsh parents to create just such a petition in order to force the issue onto the RTM agenda. Huh?

By eliminating the citizen petition, the Democratic members cut off free speech and civic participation to preserve their own power. Now, if your readers want their issues heard, they will have to appeal to a representative, who will then decide if he or she thinks it should go to the RTM. If so, the RTM will vote on whether to have it heard. Residents had better hope that the party line Democrats like their issues/positions, or they won't see the light of day.

This vote was a heavy-handed blow intended to ensure one-party rule. Democrats put politics ahead of the interests of Branford residents. I'm ashamed on behalf of those who have sacrificed so much for our democracy. This small band of partisan Democrats is hijacking our town. We can't let it happen.

Jennifer AniskovichBranford