Frequently, there can be relationship problems when one political party has a strong voting majority over another. We are experiencing this dynamic currently with the national party relationships, aggravated by unusual behavior of the executive administration.

In fairness, there have been past conflicts when the other national political party was in strong majority. Either way, it can still be frustrating for many individual citizens who feel powerless to effect any control over what transpires.

However, here in Groton, we do have an opportunity to make an effective difference with local elections.

For several years, the Democrats have had a heavy majority on the Groton City Council, while at present there is an equally heavy majority of Republicans on the Groton Town Council. Lately, these two separate groups have been having budgetary disagreements which can be further aggravated by the forthcoming reduction in financial aid from the State of Connecticut.

By observation, it would therefore be more logical for Groton citizens to strive for better political balance on both Councils and there are opportunities to accomplish this during the May 1 (City) and Nov. 7 (Town) elections.

We note that Republicans Harry Watson and Gregory Grim, current members of the Town Council, are now running for positions on the City Council; both men are city residents.

Watson, a well respected, long time Town Council member and former Town Mayor, is running for the position of City Mayor, where he would be replacing popular Democrat Marian Galbraith, who is retiring at the end of this current term. Greg Grim has a strong Navy background and is running for a position on the City Council.

Both of these candidates bring their strong existing relationships with local businesses as well as the Town Council itself to the table. It is also in their own best interests to help the Town and City organizations work together more effectively, at the same time bringing some political balance to the City Council.

This move would also create better opportunities for qualified Democrats to run for Town Council positions in November. We had some well-qualified, hard-working people running for Council previously; perhaps they would consider running again to help bring political balance.

So, this is to encourage city residents to vote on May 1, and town residents likewise on Nov. 7. We can make a difference if we vote .... and can only fuss or complain if we don’t.

Ed Johnson lives in Noank. He can be reached at erjrice@aol.com.