[B]ennington residents on Town Meeting Day voted down a measure to shift to a mayoral form of government, marking the fourth time in two decades the proposal has failed to advance.
Residents shot down the proposal 1,133 to 827, according to a post on the Bennington Banner’s Facebook page Tuesday night.
The results this year were narrower than last year, when the measure was rejected by a 1,483 to 954 vote.
Mike Bethel, the backer of the proposal, said Tuesday night he was disappointed with the results, but not deterred. He said he may propose the measure again next year, but he’s not sure yet.
“We’re getting closer. Last time we lost by about 500, this time it was about 300,” he said.
Bethel attributed to the measure’s defeat to the “town’s political machine,” with those involved in local government voicing strong opposition to the proposal.
He said a mayor would be more accountable to the voters than a town manager.
Opponents of switching to a mayoral form of government have contended that the town manager form of government would ensure someone with managerial experience would lead the town.
Bethel said an elected mayor would bring energy to the city’s leadership. “It’s time for members of the Selectboard to get off their dead asses and do something for Bennington,” he said.
