I write to highlight the importance of voting "yes” on Question 2 to protect publicly owned lands by requiring that the legislature hold a hearing to ensure citizens the opportunity to comment on any transfer, sale, or disposal of lands owned by the Departments of Energy and Environmental Protection or Agriculture. Transfers would also require the legislature’s two-thirds vote. 

While there are legitimate reasons to transfer properties, too often lands, many purchased with taxpayer dollars for open space or agricultural preservation, have been quietly transferred to benefit a single entity against the wishes of the departments entrusted with protecting them and without opportunity for public comment. 

Fortunately our legislators overwhelmingly voted to give us the power to amend our constitution and establish a more deliberative and accountable process. Now it‘s up to us — vote “yes” on Question 2 supporting SJR 35 to require public hearings and two-thirds vote before such transfers. 

Ask questions, learn the reasons for and benefits of this amendment when Eric Hammerling, director of CT Forest & Parks, speaks at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Groton Town Hall Annex.

Jessie Stratton

Groton