The Tax Payers Alliance has more info on improving town meetings. A two or three percent turnout at a Town Meeting of 7,000 registered voters is a poor showing. In an effort to improve this, we would like to suggest a toll-free number for voters to call with a caller I.D. package to identify voters. Two voters are allowed to call in a household.

This is a system used on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," where viewers vote for their favorite dance couple. It seems to work quite well. In our fast-paced world, this could be the answer to getting voters to vote, not only at Town Meetings, but in all elections! Instead of two or three percent of the town deciding the town's fate, the count would be much higher and represent a broader view of opinion. (No excuse now about not getting a baby sitter.)

These are the Alliances' picks at the upcoming town meeting. Article 1: We urge a yes vote for applying the herbicide "Sonar" to the Lost Lake. The benefits are obvious. Article 2: We would urge the demolition of Fitch's Bridge only to save the town liability problems. Article 3: We would urge a no vote on the fire station, based on the proposed size and location only 2 miles from the West Groton Firehouse.

Also, the funding mechanism seems to be like a shell game, (move it here, put it there). We think a better location can still be found. The town is already straddled with debt from the high school and Surrenden Farm.

Article 4: We think the Lost Lake people

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have spoken as well at the previous Town Meeting (no sewer system), we can't understand why the town administration just wants to establish a Lost Lake Sewer District; it is like beating a dead horse. Lastly, we would urge all voters to attend the Jan. 26 Town Meeting and decide if you want to pay $8 million over the next 22 years. It should be a short Town Meeting with only four articles.

ROBERT S. STEPHENS

Groton