Democracy is rooted in transparent government. Citizens must be aware of what is going on that affects them, their families and their quality of life. I sincerely hope that Nov. 7, Groton voters who value transparency and accountability will join me in supporting Portia Bordelon for re-election to the Town Council and state schoolteacher Ian Thomas for Board of Education. The failed Mystic Oral School development project is a graphic example of what can happen when public business is conducted in secrecy by unelected town officials who are unaccountable to the voters. As a remedy, Portia initiated a restructuring of the RFP process to prioritize citizen participation throughout. Transparency also relies on budget oversight. The education budget constitutes the lion’s share of the town budget, and how it is allocated is critical to the intellectual development of our children and the economic health of our town. Just as he sought clarity on the use of public funds as an RTM member, Ian as a Board of Education member will seek transparency to assure that our tax dollars are spent in the best way for the benefit of current and future generations. Portia and Ian will fight against backroom deals and for public accountability.

Catherine Pratt

Groton