There was a rather strange ad in yesterday’s Shopper’s Guide on page 61. The ad was placed by Dave Babbitt, First Selectman of the Town of Thompson, a Town of greater industry and crime, and a near equal population compared to Woodstock. Babbitt has voiced frustration over the struggle to pass the Thompson budget and apparently is responding in this ad to criticism about his proposed salary of $49,348 for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. The ad reads as follows:
“Thompson Voters:These are the facts on the 1st Selectman’s salary:
2003-2004 – $44,973
2004-2005 – $45,957 (2.2% raise)
2006-2007 – $47,795 (4% raise)
2007-2008 – proposed $49,348 (3.2% raise)Selectman Babbitt is currently making $2,822 more than the previous 1st Selectman. He works full-time and represents the Town of Thompson at many functions outside of the business day. All other comments are either misrepresentations or fabrications.
Sincerely,
David Babbitt, 1st Selectman
Town of Thompson
Paid for by Dave and Peg Babbitt, Thompson CT”
While I am sympathetic for David Babbitt, I would not place an ad like this in any publication. This ad has a kind of UP YOURS tone which probably stems from Babbitt’s frustration with voters who just vote NO for whatever reason. Also, it did not help his plea to speak in the third person about himself and then sign the ad with ‘sincerely’ (small point). Read the rest of this entry »
