At the last Select Board Meeting, there was a lengthy discussion on dog poop at the ball field, and the dog poop signs that are posted on River Street. Earlier this year, there was a similar discussion about dog poop in town. There was also a lengthy discussion about removing the green flower barrels from Main Street. Are these the kind of issues we want dealt with at Select Board Meetings?
The Select Board should be dealing with the important issues facing the town and not with "housekeeping." Housekeeping is important, but these items should be dealt with off line by having the Town Administrator refer them to the appropriate department for action. Instead of having the town purchase and post signs, pass ordinances, and send out the police department, dog owners could use a little common sense. Residents can help by taking care of their pets, cars, garbage, and property.
It's time to return to the 5-member board. This board is ineffectual and does not represent the best interests of the town. This "dog poop" meeting is a prime example. Perhaps if there had been others, someone might have suggested that the conversation was a waste of time.
ReplyDeleteWith the previous 5-member board, there was representation at the various town meetings, e.g., water & sewer, electric, budget, planning. This does not happen now. How can the board be effective if they do not stay on top of the issues. Being there, observing what goes on, asking questions and participating in the conversations are the only way to do so. Department reports are at best superficial.
At the last Board meeting, Dan Golden strenuously objected to Janette Stewart who seemed to be excluding him in her discussion with Glen Dion. Again, this would not likely be as much of a problem if there were others engaged in the conversation.
When Dennis Potter resigned recently, we were left with only two board members. The concept of "majority rules" was a joke. The position remained vacant for far too long. Given that the third member was then appointed by the two remaining, it would be difficult if not impossible to ensure that the town's wishes regarding an appropriate candidate could be determined. This also left open the possibility that a third member could be selected based only on his/her agreement with the current members. Again, this is not representative government.
If this town is to move forward and tackle the many problems that we face, we need to ensure that the Board of Selectmen truly represents the best interests of the town. And I for one, would feel better about that possibility if we had more voices at these meetings.