To the Editor:

The importance of the Town Meeting. On Wednesday, November 10, at 7 pm, there will be a special town meeting held at Twin Valley High School. Article one of the warning reads: “Shall the town of Wilmington vote on any public questions related to the removal of the pergola at the Bank Park from the Wilmington Historical Design Control District by Australian ballot?”

Many Wilmington residents, including myself, believe that voters should defeat the “Australian ballot” article.

The traditional form of local government in Vermont is the Town Meeting, not a straight up or down Australian ballot vote with no discussion. We discuss the items at Town Meeting and get all the facts so that one can cast an informed vote. This is a time-honored tradition and one of the things that makes Vermont so special. An Australian ballot does not allow voters any time for detailed discussion before voting on the issue in question.

It has been suggested that some voters may feel pressured or intimidated by a public vote at a regular Town Meeting. Quite often, just before a floor vote at Town Meeting, someone will call for a paper ballot. Paper ballots are allowed in order to accurately count votes and to provide privacy in casting a vote. Thus, we can have the benefit of full discussion, and a private vote at Town Meeting.

Calling for an Australian ballot on an article such as this only serves to diminish the importance of all the serious issues raised, discussed and voted upon at a regular town meeting. Please attend the special meeting on November 10 at 7 pm. After discussion, vote against Article one.

Kathryn Andersen Longbotham

Wilmington