Published July 26. 2021 12:01AM Groton’s Town Council has painted itself into a corner with creation of a defective TIF tax policy, its involvement in orchestrating developer Jeffrey Respler’s selection as preferred developer of Mystic Oral School property, and its co-authorship of a grossly flawed development agreement egregiously in favor of Respler Homes LLC. Now Groton officials would have us believe the contract the town has with Respler Homes LLC ties the hands of the council, leaving it unable to address effectively the existing mess of that project. This assertion of course is disingenuous. That legislative body continues to have significant authority. It can for example replace the town manager as well as retain a new law firm to provide legal counsel. Once the council stops hiding behind balderdash it can then symbolically fall on its collective sword by resigning en masse to acknowledge its abysmal performance.