LETTER: Tiverton 1st Candidate Say Rumors To Abolish FTR Are False, Misleading

In recent days, there have been allegations made by Tiverton Citizens for Change (TCC) and candidates endorsed by this group that non-TCC-endorsed individuals are trying to over-turn the Financial Town Referendum (FTR). Such actions are, as purported, an attempt to undermine the will of the voters.

For the record, we, the undersigned, are candidates for Tiverton Town Council (though not endorsed by the TCC) and in no way, shape or form has any of us ever made any statement or claim regarding eliminating the Financial Town Referendum (FTR). The voters put it in place and so it is. Let’s move on.

This is really a non-issue in our opinion and a distraction from addressing the real issues facing Tiverton. It's a false rally cry meant to divide, not unite. Focusing on the FTR in this way is a waste of time and energy.

As is evidenced by the Candidate Forum hosted on October 18th by the Newport Daily News and broadcast on Cox Cable Access, all the candidates (at least the 12 of the 14 who attended) agree that focusing on economic development as a vehicle for lessening the residential tax burden and increasing our municipal revenue stream, in addition to a sound, transparent, and collaborative budgeting process is the way forward for making good on our responsibilities to the town and its citizens.

As candidates, we are ready and willing to roll up our sleeves and move forward, not dig in our heels and dwell on the past.

Sincerely,

James J. Arruda, Renee DeJesus-Jones, Denise DeMedeiros, WIlliam P. Gerlach, Brett N. Pelletier Edward A. Roderick.