Regarding the recent headline, "Montville Town Council passes police department ordinance," (Jan. 22), this may clear the way for a town-owned police department. However, unlike the same subject that took place in Ledyard, Montville is expected to allow town citizens to have the final say by way of a referendum. If Montville residents are forced to petition the town for a referendum vote, here's where the stacked-deck policy may take place.

Montville's town charter is the law of the town. Years ago, I petitioned the town of Ledyard for a tax freeze. Ledyard's Town Clerk Pat Karnes at the time proof read my petition to make sure it complied with the wording under the powers of initiative set forth in the town charter. I was required to obtain 653 signatures in a certain amount of time. Upon completion, I turned in the petition to Karnes for her verification of all qualified signatures.

Here is what happened for my efforts. Ledyard turned the petition over to the town attorney who determined that the petition was illegal as it interfered with the rights of the Town Council. So much for the town charter! This could also happen in Montville, so be one step ahead of your own council.

Harold T. Moreash

Ledyard