OBSERVATIONS ON THE FTR OUTCOME

There will be plenty of analysis about yesterday's FTR results, but a couple of points to consider. 

1) TTA spent thousands on mailer cards, robocalls, signs, etc. We spent nothing & relied on social media, word of mouth, & the common sense of not raiding the General Fund. 
2) "Lower taxes with no consequences" is a much easier sell than "Do the responsible thing for long-term financial health", especially in a low-turnout election; 
3) there's a pendulum nature to politics, & TCC has won battles before only to be defeated the next time; 
4) there's been an undeniable complacency after the big 2012 victory & how smoothly elected officials have been working after years of turmoil; 
5) win or lose, it's silly to read election results as a single "message from voters", as voters show up and vote for a variety of reasons; as we heard at the polls, many voters were venting anger at things that had nothing to do with this budget choice. 

These are observations, not excuses. I congratulate the Budget 2 proponents, & hope they're proven right, as my motivation is the good of the town and not political gain. But this is no doubt just the first step in a TCC/TTA attempt to return to "power" in November. Those who believe in strengthening our community should be prepared to work to elect candidates who agree, and this will clearly require funds to counteract the deep pockets on the other side. 

Thanks to all who worked tirelessly on the impressive Budget 1 proposal, all who worked to get out the word, and all who took the time to vote.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI