Vote ‘No’ — This Budget Referendum Politicizes Enfield and Solves Nothing

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Sample Ballot District One referendum question: Shall the Enfield Town Charter be revised as proposed by the Charter Revision Commissionand as approved by the Enfield Town Council by Resolution #7276 at its regular meeting of June 16, 2025? (Click on ballot to see clear version) On Nov. 4, voters will face a yes-or-no decision on the Charter Revision Commission's work. It's a mess of things, but only one provision matters: Should the town have an Automatic Budget Referendum? Any budget the Council approves with more than a 5% spending increase must be put to a town-wide vote This referendum question is entirely political. [ Sample ballot , and Explanatory Text ] Why it's misleading The referendum idea was hatched by Republican leadership on the Charter Commission and sold as something that will be fiscally responsible and increase voter accountability. It will do no such thing because of how the town's finances work in the real world. What really determines whether tax...

Connecticut's climate crisis

In my bicycle travels, I've come across a few of these signs. I love them. 


Climate change is especially problematic, and "Science is Real" hits home. The message here is about climate change. 


In the most recent debate, Joe Biden talked about how climate change is an "existential threat" to humankind. He was honest with Americans. 


Now, let's talk about Connecticut. 


Connecticut is in a hot zone -- one of the hottest in the lower 48 states. (All figures are in Fahrenheit)


Since 1970, Connecticut's average temperature has increased by 2.84°F, the nation's 10th highest state, according to data by Climate Central. Rhode Island is 9th, and Vermont, 8th, all with similar temperature rises. 


A Washington Post analysis of temperature changes since 1895 reported that Hartford County's temperature increased by 3°F. 


New London County temperature has increased by 3.6°F over this same period. Rhode Island's Washington County, which abuts New London County as seen an increase of 4°F. Warming ocean waters are influencing these changes. Rhode Island is one of the fastest warming states in the nation. 


It's going to get worse. 


A University of Massachusetts study reports that Connecticut's temperatures may increase by over 5°F over the next 50 years.


These estimates may be wrong and not in the right way. 


In Connecticut this year, we had 39 days at or above 90°F. The previous record was 38°F, set in 1983. According to the UMass researchers, the average number of days over 90°F is usually around 15. 


Arizona, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts reported their warmest June-August on record, said NOAA.


Planetwise, NOAA says this was the "warmest September on record for the globe." 


The climate changes are noticeable to me, but I'm an older guy. The younger generation has no reference point, it's just abstraction. But these generations are seeing unusual weather patterns, alarming data, and are exceptionally equipped to understand what is going on here. They must be worried about what life will be like for them and their children.


Science is real, but not for Donald Trump, who represents an extreme denialist position. 


Biden stuck his neck out in the debate on climate change. The Republicans immediately picked up his call to transition off fossil fuels as a threat to millions of jobs. 


We will see what happens on Nov. 3. If Biden wins this election, it will be a positive sign that this nation is finally getting ready to deal with this problem. 



Location: Enfield, CT 06082, USA

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