Deliberative Session Beneficial Despite Record-Low Turnout [VIDEO]

Depending on the perspective, a record-low turnout at an annual deliberative session would typically be a negative thing, although residents and officials said the nature of the conversation on the "tight" warrant discussed Saturday shows that things are progressing well in Hampton.

Saturday was both the least-attended and quickest-ever deliberative session in Hampton history. Only 45 registered voters — including town officials — cast decision-making power during a session that lasted only about five hours, or half of the then-record 10-hour session in 2012.

Among the warrant articles that generated the most passionate responses were articles calling for a downtown intersection reconstruction that would be largely funded by grant money, an article calling for the legalization of charitable bingo and Lucky 7 games in private and public places, and an article appropriating $500,000 for a six-bay washdown facility for the town-owned vehicles.

Only two articles on the 31-article 2013 warrant took longer than 30 minutes to discuss. There were five articles that took longer than half an hour in 2012. Locals discuss in the above video how that's a good thing, as they feel it indicates Hampton voters may be more informed about the various projects and proposals, as well as the fact that things are significantly less contentious and taxing than the last year.

A full transcript of the various article amendments, strong comments for and against the proposals, and more is available here.

Video of the full deliberative session will also be available on Channel 22's website.

What did you think of the deliberative session? Tell us in the comments, and expect additional articles in the future about the various proposals and projects that voters will pass or reject at the polls on March 12.