Petitioners close to gaining townwide vote on mayoral format

Voters at the polls in Bennington. File photo by Holly Pelczynski/Bennington Banner
BENNINGTON — Advocates hoping to have the town switch to the mayoral form of government fell 38 signatures short Monday in their quest for a vote, but they still expect to place a binding referendum on the March ballot.
Mike Bethel, one of those spearheading the petition drive, said 476 signatures were submitted to the Bennington town clerk’s office, a total expected to be more than the 5 percent of r