To the editor:

I write in response to Steve Primiano’s claims made here last week, his main point being that Barrington would be better off if his preferred candidates were elected. 

I couldn’t disagree more.

To support his claim, he wrote of his concern about a tax stabilization agreement which will pave the way for development of the Zion Bible property. Concerns notwithstanding, the best evidence of a council member’s views is his or her vote, and the vote in favor of the TSA was unanimous.

I was surprised to read Mr. Primiano confessing on behalf of himself and Ms. Strong of ‘diverting’ property taxes as part of that TSA, — they voted in favor of this so called ‘diversion.’ The truth is, there was no ‘diversion’ of funds. Had my colleagues really believed that, they could certainly have voted against the TSA, as they have with many other worthy programs. 

A quick review of the record will show just a few examples of Mr. Primiano’s and Ms. Strong’s ‘no’ votes:

• In 2015 they both voted against approving our award winning Comprehensive Community Plan, a plan which has been widely lauded and called the best in the state. 

• In 2013 and 2014, Ann Strong voted against agreements with East Bay Rowing that cost taxpayer’s nothing and provided a fantastic opportunity for children and adults to experience the fun and healthy sport of rowing. 

• In 2015, Ms. Strong voted against Solarize Barrington, a program that cost the town nothing but helped nearly 40 residents install solar panels to reduce their energy costs and our town’s collective carbon footprint. 

• In 2016, Ms. Strong and Mr. Primiano also voted against the plastic bag ban, an ordinance that has become a model for other communities around the state and the region, and one that cost taxpayers nothing. I should note that Ms. Strong voted against it because she thought it didn’t go far enough and wanted to ban zip-lock bags as well.

Voting against things that make our community better, especially when they cost us nothing, doesn’t make a candidate more fiscally responsible. 

I respect those with a different philosophy of governing, but they seem to have defined themselves by simply being against the majority. As our do-nothing congress has shown, you can’t get anything done by being against everything.

Kate Weymouth has the experience and vision to get things done. Melissa Horne and Steve Boyajian both hold advanced degrees and have served the town for years as volunteers on critical boards. These are smart, responsible candidates who are willing to work together to find creative solutions to problems and to enhance our community.

Mike Carroll

Barrington