Why did Groton political power couple Town Councilor Portia Bordelon and RTM Representative Ian Thomas not vote for town and city of Groton police budgets?

At the April Town Council budget meeting, despite concise explanations from town staff and other prepared councilors, Bordelon scrutinized union and non-union salaries along with other mandated expenses related to the Police Accountability Bill. During the May RTM budget session, many were baffled that Rep. Thomas, a city resident, seconded an outrageous motion by RTM Rep. Gauthier to fund the city of Groton police at $0 for this year!

After a dizzying word salad claiming a need for taxpayer savings, both proceeded to abstain from voting on any police department budgets. Roberts rules defines abstaining from voting as a vote against a motion. Therefore, Bordelon and Thomas chose to defund our police. Voters elected people that make the tough decisions, not avoid them. One cannot say they support city and town police and the services they provide without being supportive of the necessary funding to do their jobs effectively. City and town residents deserve a public explanation rather than a prepared statement hand delivered to The Day’s Kimberly Drelich.

Jean-Claude Ambroise

Groton