North Stonington recently took $40,000 out of The Land Acquisition Fund and gave it to Avalonia as a gift to purchase land on Putker Road and Miller Road. I believe the intent of the Land Acquisition Fund was to purchase land that may become available to the town, which would include a public hearing and a vote by the legislative body.

In January selectmen asked the Conservation Commission their advice on Avalonia's request. The commission unanimously passed a motion to use $40,000 out of The Land Acquisition Fund and give it to Avalonia to support the purchase of these properties. I believe the transaction was carried out in February without any public hearing or vote by the legislative body.

Past examples of purchases would be the Hewitt property and Winterchog Hill Property, on which there were votes. When did things change to leave voters out of the process?

We put $10,000 a year into the Land Acquisition Fund to purchase land for the town, not to give it away to a nonprofit to purchase land. I believe this may create a wave of nonprofits asking for money to buy land. I believe we need to follow the procedure that has been in place. If you agree, contact your selectmen.

Brian Rathbun

North Stonington