What are the important RTM issues?

Written by The Darien Times
Thursday, 29 October 2009 10:12

The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) is determined annually by elector vote and cannot exceed 100 members. Legislative powers for the town are vested in this body. Members are not elected based on party affiliation. Its responsibilities include passing laws and ordinances, appropriating money, and approving collective bargaining contracts involving Town employees.

Although any Darien registered voter is eligible for election, to be elected, a candidate must receive at least 25 votes. They are elected to two-year terms.

Constables’ qualifications

Written by The Darien Times
Thursday, 29 October 2009 10:11

The primary role of an elected constable is properly to serve legal notices to Town citizens so they may respond to the governmental organization or agency having jurisdiction. All candidates Constables are unopposed. You will be asked to vote for two to a two-year term.

Board of Assessment Appeals

Written by The Darien Times
Thursday, 29 October 2009 10:08

You will be asked to choose one of the two candidates for the Board of Assessment Appeals. Both are unopposed and need just one vote to win. They are elected to four-year terms and are unpaid.

Board of Education: How will you balance education and budget?

Written by The Darien Times
Thursday, 29 October 2009 09:49

You will be asked to choose two of the three candidates to serve a three-year term. There are three openings, so if each candidate gets at least one vote, all three will be elected. The position is unpaid.

Planning & Zoning Commission: What qualifies you for such an important job?

Written by The Darien Times
Thursday, 29 October 2009 09:40

There will be two voting columns for Planning & Zoning Commission candidates. In the first column, you will be asked to choose two of three candidates to serve for a full four-year term. The second column only has Vickie Hanna Riccardo listed, and you will be asked to elect her to fill a two-year vacancy on the board. All candidates are unopposed.

Town clerk, treasurer and tax collector are unopposed

Written by The Darien Times
Thursday, 29 October 2009 09:39

The offices of town clerk, town treasurer and tax collector are paid elected positions in Town Hall. Each office has a two-year term. This year, all the incumbents are seeking re-election and are unopposed. All three were asked the same question.

Board of Finance: What’s your project priority in this economy?

Written by The Darien Times
Thursday, 29 October 2009 09:31

You will be asked to vote for three of four candidates to serve four-year terms. All candidates are unopposed and the position is not paid.

Board of Selectmen: How will selectmen handle disagreements?

Written by The Darien Times
Thursday, 29 October 2009 09:20

You will be asked to vote for two of these three candidates. The top four vote-getters, including the two losers of the first selectman race, are elected selectmen. They serve a two-year terms and are not paid.

First selectman: Will the next town leader be an activist?

Written by The Darien Times
Thursday, 29 October 2009 09:02

The only officially contested town-wide race on Tuesday the first selectman race. The winner of this race leads the Board of Selectmen and serves as the town’s chief elected officer. The losers of this race compete with the selectmen candidates for one of those four seats. There is no incumbent in this race. First selectman is a two-year term and is salaried.