Among several decisions on yesterday's ballot was one of whether or not the small towns of Carlton and Thomson should combine resources and become a single community. In the decision (as reported by the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office), Carlton voted 171-10 and Thomson voted 61-13 in favor of becoming one municipality.

The two combined towns will go by the name "Carlton" as a combined entity, and the current city councils will merge. A new, special election will be held to elect a mayor for the community.

While the consolidation should reduce the cost of public services and utilities, opponents of the move argue that the unique identity of the communities will be erased. Among those concerns is the fact that Thomson's name falls by the wayside in favor of Carlton.

 

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