Rumford citizens have a chance to choose to vote by secret ballot on the town’s annual budget when they go to the polls Nov. 7. A group of Rumford citizens suggested the secret ballot, because usually ten times the number of citizens voted by secret ballot the week after the town meeting than the number that attended the town meeting.

That is a significant increase. With the secret ballot vote on the town’s budget, there will be four meetings that citizens can attend to ask questions about the budget.

When Rumford citizens vote on Nov. 7, perhaps they will note that Veterans Day is four days after, the day honoring those who defended the freedom of all citizens.

It would be fitting to honor our local veterans by supporting the secret-ballot vote.

Tom Fallon, Rumford