There have been questions - and Paris voters must be absolutely clear what's going on.
On January 7th, Paris voters came out in record numbers to a "Special Town Meeting" to challenge what was intended by a few town officials to be a slam dunk to force through some legislation that - in the view of many - would have been detrimental to the town of Paris as a whole. At best, it threatened the wishes of hundreds of voters who approved a recall ordinance in November, and some hundreds more who petitioned, twice, to facilitate a recall of certain town officials.
However: Paris Voters - the recall has not happened yet.
About this business of Recall:
- January 7th was not it.
- January 19th was not it.
- February 1 and February 5 ARE IT.
Hopefully there will be reminders in the public media.
It was a rainy election day back on June 10, 2009. Some potential voters were too busy, some were not worried about the result, and some felt their vote didn't matter. 50 votes swung the total. And this town is going to be recovering for a long time because of the results of that vote.
We have a chance to change the direction that June 2009 vote has taken us in. This recall effort gives us that chance. And then, the Town of Paris can consider how to repair the damage inflicted by 6 months of an irresponsible and self- serving agenda.
The recall schedule itself has been made as confusing as possible. Tricks have made the recall effort look like a trick itself. But Paris voters must be wiser still.
Be absolutely clear, Paris voters. Tell everyone you know to turn out and:
* vote on both days;
* vote "yes" or "no" by each of the 2 names on the ballot for each day.
Or, better still, vote early, before the election dates, at the Paris Town Office by absentee ballot and cast your vote on each of the 4 candidates for recall on one day, at your leisure.
Be sure who you are voting on each time you mark those ballot questions. Consider the alternatives....
Pass this on to everyone you talk to.
