As residents of our beloved and rapidly changing small town, we have witnessed first-hand the implications of our town leadership's participation in the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM). A state local advocacy group at an annual membership cost of $15,000 funded by our tax dollars. 

This groups goals are supposed to represent and amplify our concerns at a state level and is ignoring the pressing issues that face our small town and many others with the same concern. 

Our unique challenges – from managing growth to preserving the town's character to tackling local environmental concerns – have been lost in the disarray of statewide concerns. Our town is unrecognizable. Rapid urbanization continues unchecked. Services and infrastructure struggle to keep up, and the sense of community risks being swallowed by a growth-at-all-costs approach. Yet, these fundamental issues are not the priority in the state advocacy group's agenda.

Our town leadership's role should be protecting and representing us, the residents, and the town's best interests. Participating in an advocacy group that sidelines our challenges is contrary to these objectives.

I urge you to sign this petition and compel First Selectperson Rudy Marconi and the entire Board of Selectpersons (BOS) leadership team to reconsider their participation in a state advocacy group that doesn't serve our interests. Let's ensure our town's unique needs and voice are heard and advocated for at all levels of government. Let's shape the growth and future of our town, ensuring it remains a place we are proud to call home.

Please consider signing this petition today.