Letter: Fire District Elections

To the Editor:

Residents of Dalton,

Dalton has always been a community built on responsibility, pride, and a genuine commitment to looking out for one another. That spirit is nowhere more visible than in our Fire and EMS services — lifelines that protect every household, every business, and every person in this town.

But many people don't realize that the Dalton Fire District is completely separate from the Town of Dalton. While residents follow the Select Board and participate in town elections, the Fire District — which oversees emergency services and our water system — holds its own elections, manages its own budget, and operates independently.

And because turnout for these elections is so low, a very small circle of family members, friends, and close associates of current officeholders often decides who stays in power. When only a handful of people vote, accountability becomes nearly impossible. Decisions involving hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars can be made without broad public oversight simply because most residents aren't there to participate.

This isn't about any one person. It's about a system that only works when the community engages with it. Dalton deserves transparency, responsible budgeting, and leadership that reflects the values of the entire town — not just a small group of insiders. Local news outlets have also reported multiple Open Meeting Law complaints involving the Water Board, raising real questions about transparency and public access to decision-making.

And here's the truth: you cannot ask for change; you have to be the change.

Accountability doesn't appear on its own. It shows up when you do. It grows when residents decide their voice matters enough to use it. It becomes real when the community chooses involvement over assumption.

Your vote is the tool that ensures these essential services reflect the expectations of the whole town. When more residents attend Fire District meetings, learn about the issues, and vote in Fire District elections, the system becomes stronger, more transparent, and more representative.