Still No Free Speech in Ashland

Sandra and Joseph Coleman have written two editorials calling for the Select Board to remove the gag order on public comments at their meeting. As I have pointed out before, this Select Board has systematically excluded the public for their meetings. They began by forbidding the public from addressing what Jeanette Stewart called talking about the past, even though a number of issues from the past were still relevant like the Union Contract that contained numerous errors. The stated reason for this was that they had too much to do. They moved their work sessions from the evening to the morning, at time when few people can attend, where no public comments/questions are allowed, and sessions are held at the town hall where there is little room. She promised that no important votes would be taken at the work sessions, but the board regularly votes on important issues, like the budget at those sessions. After imposition of the gag order, the board said that the public can submit questions two weeks in advance, but they have not completely answered all the questions that are submitted, nor have they read some public comments on issues. Follow-up questions must also be submitted in writing, so that to get an answer to a questions could several months. This has effectively shut down any real discussion.

It is clear that the board not only wants to cut off free speech, they want to limit public participation in town government. An excellent example is Stewart's attempt to do away with the budget committee, which was soundly defeated by a vote of 256 to 65. If the warrant article had passed, little public discussion of the budget would be allowed because of the gag order, and the budget would likely be prepared at the work sessions meetings, as it was this past year, when few were able to attend.

The right things to do would be to restore public comments, move the work sessions to the evening, and encourage public participation. So far, the board has not responded to any public pressure, but members of the public should insist that these changes be made immediately. To be sure, there have been times where public discussion has been less than civil. This can and should be effectively managed by the Board, perhaps even with the help of the town moderator.

Democracy is often messy. But debate is necessary for progress and the overall health of the government. Our officials are elected by the public and therefore answerable directly to the public. Shutting down discussion and debate are key features of dictatorships. We need to elect officials who understand that free speech and public participation are among the most fundamental principles of a democracy. Perhaps with the advent of the 5-member board, a true democratic government will return to Ashland, and in the future those who oppose free speech will be voted out of office.

Response to a Comment about the Electric Department

We recently received a comment about the Electric Department that contained a personal attack and no supporting facts. It is not our policy to print such comments, but we felt that we should respond with some facts about the Electric Department and the town. The Electric Department is the town's most important financial asset. The department just reduced its rates and has the lowest rates in the area. The department has considerable capital reserves to offset future expenses. It has invested in new equipment, and it has kept its equipment and buildings in good repair. The rates and excellent service help promote economic development and maintain our business base. Let's compare this to the town. The taxes in Ashland are the highest in our economic region. Taxes will increase again this year and for many years to come because the town has not planned for the future. The town has $20,000,000 in accumulated depreciation, which means that it will have to spend at least that much to replace or repair existing assets some time during the next 10 years. Other than the $125,000 in capital reserves for roads, the town has no capital reserves, which means that large capital expenses must be paid for by raising taxes. The town has almost no cash for emergencies in the unassigned fund balance. The town has huge long term debt. The town has no long term economic plan. The town has no economic development plan. We have serious cash flow problems. It is likely that we will not be able to sustain the town as it is in the long term unless we reduce our expenses, build reserves, plan for future, and promote economic development. The longer we wait to deal with these problems, the fewer choices we will have to solve them. What about service? When I call the Electric Department, they come. When I ask a question, they answer it. When I go to their meetings, they let me express my concerns. When I recently called the town to fix my road which is nearly impassable, they do not respond. When I ask questions, the Select Board does not always answer them even though they should know the answers. When I go to meetings, I am not allowed to talk. One more point. When I have a complaint, I get courteous service from the Electric Department. I can't say that I have always been treated courteously by the Select Board or town employees. I am not alone. I have witnessed others being treated discourteously as well.

Vote No on the Loader

We received the following anonymous post:

If we get a new loader, what happens to the old one? Why we, sell it or trade it in of course. The loader is not that old and with the proper use and care will operate for many more hours. Whomever, aquires our loader will have a fine piece of equipment to operate for their business for many years to come.

Reminds me of a similar situation with the town sidewalk plow a few years back. Yup, right before voting time the sidewalk plow was broken down and the sidewalks couldn't be plowed. After a few years the new plow was obtained.

Furthermore, who's idea was it to put chains on and use the W&S department's pickup truck with an 8' plow to plow roads? This truck has been seen on several occassions over the past few storms plowing North Ashland Road in addition to plowing parking lots. This non-commerical vehicle is not made to withstand this type of use/abuse.

Perhaps next year the W&S department will be asking the voters for a new pickup truck because this one has been broken.