Published March 03. 2021 4:18PM The City of Groton Democrat primary is polarized. The endorsed incumbent and challenger have surrogates citing age, education, and experience as factors supporting or rejecting each candidate. A fair comparison is necessary based on their current positions as our elected officials. In fiscal-year 2020-2021 budget sessions, both pledged to not increase taxes on citizens already suffering the COVID crisis. Mayor Hedrick and the City Council did not increase taxes in this annual budget. Councilor Bumgardner supported using fund balance to not increase taxes. However, the council unanimously changed course, increasing taxes on all residents this fiscal year despite previous statements.