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Committee members say voters lack context for CIP requests; propose adding vote context to ballot materials
Summary
At the June 24 meeting committee members raised concern that voters 'do not know what the requests are' and suggested adding vote information and clearer explanations to ballot materials to improve understanding of CIP asks.
Members of the Plaistow CIP Committee on June 24 said the town should do more to explain capital requests to voters and discussed ways to show decision context on ballot materials.
"R. LeClaire noted the public does not know what the requests are," the transcript records, and Nolan Pelletier said "the public does not want to spend money." In response, the committee discussed ways to "provide more information," including possibly showing Planning Board, Budget Committee and Board of Selectmen votes or intent alongside ballot items so voters would see the recommendation history.
Chair Dan Kane reiterated that the committee’s purpose is advisory under state statute (RSA 674:5-8) and emphasized the committee’s role in crafting analysis and justification that could accompany ballot language. Committee members agreed to pursue improved outreach and to collect funding balances and departmental justifications as part of the information package intended for voters and other boards.
