LETTER: DON'T SHORTCHANGE TIVERTON IN NOVEMBER

We have been inundated with negative letters and blogs as of late, signaling another election season. Some candidates will tell you how horrible the town is, and how horrible it will continue to be, unless of course “they” are elected.

But, here’s the thing Tiverton, we have lots to be proud of. The last two years we were lead by officials that rolled up their sleeves and got things done. Elected officials and private citizens fought and reversed the tolls, a town-wide celebration tradition was brought back to life with support from the Town Council, Fort Barton Elementary was named one of the top schools in the nation by the US Dept. of Education, Tiverton and State officials found a replacement bus desperately needed for our seniors, the Council and Water Authority ensured that Stafford Pond, a vital source of drinking water, has much needed protections.

Our local officials demonstrated that we can maintain services and keep taxes low, that we can address long-term issues facing our town without tearing each other apart with endless legal actions and name-calling, and that we can support small businesses while protecting home owners. Just to name a few.

Don’t let small vocal minority special interest groups decide what kind of Tiverton you will live in. Some have never seen a service they weren’t willing to cut, an educational program they weren’t eager to sacrifice, a school or fire station they weren’t anxious to close, or positive news they weren't ready to ignore.

I am proud to have the support of the Tiverton Democratic Town Committee and Tiverton 1st in the upcoming election. Join me in supporting those candidates who will treat all residents and elected officials with respect, seeking to compromise for the betterment of the community. “Our way or the highway,” name calling, and lawsuits have never served our residents, but they will feed egos and provide political talking points. We won’t agree on everything, but we can stop selling Tiverton short!

Deborah Pallasch
Candidate for School Committee