The Sept. 9 primary election for the town of Rutland councilperson is the most important decision that has faced Rutland taxpayers since the vote that defeated the new fire station in Rutland Center back in June 2007.

To say the outcome of the Sept. 9 primary will impact our pocketbooks for years to come is not an exaggeration. A victory for Kenneth Gleason will affect our pocketbooks well beyond the one-year council term of the winner. For example: an out-of-control highway department that no longer can be reined in by our more conservative council members, but also beyond that, a new fire station or a new town barn or a full-time supervisor or comptroller position or other unneeded extra things that will end up costing us and future generations for years to come.

With the unwavering support of Gary Eddy and Ray Cramer, Highway Superintendent Claude Phelps has exceeded all budget line items for his department. Not just salt, sand and fuel, but also repairs and paving, specifically on the Cramer Road where Councilman Cramer lives.

Any circus atmosphere at the town board meetings is orchestrated by the Eddy/Phelps/Cramer crew along with two men who never attended a meeting until recently.

The business of town government is not to serve as a candy store for a select few. Here in Rutland, it is to keep the roads maintained and plowed in the winter and, in few instances provide water and sewer utilities. This should be done as efficiently and fairly as possible.

The current balance of power on the Rutland Town Council has served the taxpayer well. Vote for Colleen Woolley Sept. 9.

Lloyd Schell

Watertown