Lost in the shuffle of so many other things is the recently authorized Town Government Study Committee, which met for the first time last night. Its importance being paramount over all issues if one thinks of the effect that this could have on the concept of community.
We are all so neck deep in "what ifs" on other issues we seem to have forgotten the "what ifs" the work that this committee can present to our community.
What if this committee does its job, and studies and then presents solid recommendations to the Town? What if it doesn't? I relish the prospect of the former, and quite honestly dread even the thought of the latter.
The old saying is first impressions make lasting ones. That has a tendency to be true. At times fortunately so, while on occasions also unfortunately so. Thus, my initial thought was to stay away from the first meeting of the committee last night. Organizational meetings can paint a distorted picture.
Having reached a point in time however where true disappointment seldom occurs given the level of expectations I usually start out with, and having a spare life or two to sacrifice to curiosity, I decided to venture out.
Having reached a point in time however where true disappointment seldom occurs given the level of expectations I usually start out with, and having a spare life or two to sacrifice to curiosity, I decided to venture out.
I can honestly say I was not disappointed, and was I guess satisfied. I am not yet willing or able however to open a betting line on which "what if" pans out.
Mind you my reaction is tempered more by the reality of the daunting task these people face rather than anything else. As the one and only member of the general public in attendance, I will say I was impressed in the way the committee worked through its agenda.
As far as first meetings go, one would have to pass out high marks.
The public is however going to be extremely important in keeping that grade. To the committee's credit there appears the desire to make it so, and there was promising discussion about the plans to do so.
If the plans are followed through, the blame for lack of public input will in this case rest squarely with the public and not the committee. In the end, this will be the biggest hurdle.
As far as a time frame, there may be great expectations for next spring by some in the community. To that end, I will simply say that indeed is a great expectation. Certainly by next May's annual Town Meeting one would expect to see some significant progress. I for one believe a completed report by next May would be a greater expectation than reasonably possible.
If one follows the timeline recommend for charter commissions, I don't see it happening even on a fast track. That has nothing to do with the committee itself, but rather more in line with the "nature of the beast" argument. If there is one piece of advice to offer to the committee at this time, it is it should be proceeding with the time frames outlined for a charter commission. That is essentially what the committee is. Its task in reality the same.
The plus for this committee, at least in my opinion and certainly realizing it was a one meeting observation, was the willingness of members to speak up and discuss points of view. Nothing heated, nothing earth shattering, but mostly very relevant points on several matters.
As a point of information, the committee intends to meet Thursdays, at this step in the process every other week, at 6:00 p.m. Unfortunately for me, that means following the committee will be difficult at least from January through May.
Hopefully, those who control public access will see the wisdom of having the meetings taped and aired. If for no other reason than to take away one more of the all too common excuses by those who will eventually vote on the matter about not knowing.
These committee members realize they need you to make this process work. They have a huge amount of work before them, but so do each and everyone of you if you feel there is a need for the study. Don't sit back and wait for the recommendations and then decide to chime in, or ask for explanations, or debate about the process. Stay informed, and chime in while the process is ongoing.
I am fully sympathetic about the time demands people face. It is somehow a bit ironic in this day and age when all the technological wonders are touted as time shavers and things to make life easier, we all seem to have less time on our hands.
That bit of digression aside, there are certain things concerned citizens need to make time for. If the planned informational avenues are used for this committee, you will be kept appraised of its work and intentions, and the excuse you did not know, will not fly.
Quite frankly I am astounded that there were only 13 applicants. What astounds me even more are some of the complaints about the committee make up. Outside of resorting to "press gangs" or spending several thousands of dollars on advertisement, the failure of any concerned citizen to know applicants were being sought is well in my opinion just a bit hollow. So are those about "make-up"
Let's leave that there. I am sure that issue will come up again the moment something is proposed someone doesn't like. We can deal with it then.
At this point I look forward to the prospect of the first "what if" for this committee.
I am severely tempted to end this blog right there, however the more immediate "what ifs" the town faces concerns Monday night.
There is a whole lot of stuff of the Selectmen's agenda for Monday. Some of which certainly gets my interest a bit heightened. Of course the matter that has everybody else waiting with bated breath is the turbines discussion/meeting/executive session.
What if there is a settlement? Can you imagine that?
As an FYI, the B of H public hearing for that date has been formerly postponed.
That board will be meeting with the selectmen on Monday though.
So what if the two boards get together, with the developer and reach a solution. Normally I would just resort to my 1/3 rule as far as public acceptance. Taking into account all the chatter, I am not sure that would be applicable, but what if it did apply ...
One third of the total combine followers of the now two diametrically opposed groups and the rest of the town folks will come out for it, some grudgingly I am sure, but if the rule applied that's what would happen.
Another third will be opposed. Quite frankly you can pretty much count on that figure on any issue anyway.
Would the normal 1/3 indifferent/no opinion/to this point undecided accept it. Well I suppose that depends. No other way to say it really. If the town has to give, which I assume it will in fact have to, it depends on how much the town is giving.
In what is a firm grasp of the obvious, the key to success will be the explanation given behind any settlement.
Here is another piece of unsolicited advice: Loose the Fairhaven united theme.
If anyone out there can envision any result that will get this whole town united behind it, I am all for it. It may be I have just become to pessimistic, but I don't see it happening.
Be real about the rationale. There are a heck of a lot more people in this town craving for a reasonable resolution to this matter than those wanting all or nothing on either side.
You aren't going to get unanimous acclamation for any decision. Don't try and sell it that way.
In the end, they are going to do what they are going to do.
And that's where I will end it.
Be safe.
Mind you my reaction is tempered more by the reality of the daunting task these people face rather than anything else. As the one and only member of the general public in attendance, I will say I was impressed in the way the committee worked through its agenda.
As far as first meetings go, one would have to pass out high marks.
The public is however going to be extremely important in keeping that grade. To the committee's credit there appears the desire to make it so, and there was promising discussion about the plans to do so.
If the plans are followed through, the blame for lack of public input will in this case rest squarely with the public and not the committee. In the end, this will be the biggest hurdle.
As far as a time frame, there may be great expectations for next spring by some in the community. To that end, I will simply say that indeed is a great expectation. Certainly by next May's annual Town Meeting one would expect to see some significant progress. I for one believe a completed report by next May would be a greater expectation than reasonably possible.
If one follows the timeline recommend for charter commissions, I don't see it happening even on a fast track. That has nothing to do with the committee itself, but rather more in line with the "nature of the beast" argument. If there is one piece of advice to offer to the committee at this time, it is it should be proceeding with the time frames outlined for a charter commission. That is essentially what the committee is. Its task in reality the same.
The plus for this committee, at least in my opinion and certainly realizing it was a one meeting observation, was the willingness of members to speak up and discuss points of view. Nothing heated, nothing earth shattering, but mostly very relevant points on several matters.
As a point of information, the committee intends to meet Thursdays, at this step in the process every other week, at 6:00 p.m. Unfortunately for me, that means following the committee will be difficult at least from January through May.
Hopefully, those who control public access will see the wisdom of having the meetings taped and aired. If for no other reason than to take away one more of the all too common excuses by those who will eventually vote on the matter about not knowing.
These committee members realize they need you to make this process work. They have a huge amount of work before them, but so do each and everyone of you if you feel there is a need for the study. Don't sit back and wait for the recommendations and then decide to chime in, or ask for explanations, or debate about the process. Stay informed, and chime in while the process is ongoing.
I am fully sympathetic about the time demands people face. It is somehow a bit ironic in this day and age when all the technological wonders are touted as time shavers and things to make life easier, we all seem to have less time on our hands.
That bit of digression aside, there are certain things concerned citizens need to make time for. If the planned informational avenues are used for this committee, you will be kept appraised of its work and intentions, and the excuse you did not know, will not fly.
Quite frankly I am astounded that there were only 13 applicants. What astounds me even more are some of the complaints about the committee make up. Outside of resorting to "press gangs" or spending several thousands of dollars on advertisement, the failure of any concerned citizen to know applicants were being sought is well in my opinion just a bit hollow. So are those about "make-up"
Let's leave that there. I am sure that issue will come up again the moment something is proposed someone doesn't like. We can deal with it then.
At this point I look forward to the prospect of the first "what if" for this committee.
I am severely tempted to end this blog right there, however the more immediate "what ifs" the town faces concerns Monday night.
There is a whole lot of stuff of the Selectmen's agenda for Monday. Some of which certainly gets my interest a bit heightened. Of course the matter that has everybody else waiting with bated breath is the turbines discussion/meeting/executive session.
What if there is a settlement? Can you imagine that?
As an FYI, the B of H public hearing for that date has been formerly postponed.
That board will be meeting with the selectmen on Monday though.
So what if the two boards get together, with the developer and reach a solution. Normally I would just resort to my 1/3 rule as far as public acceptance. Taking into account all the chatter, I am not sure that would be applicable, but what if it did apply ...
One third of the total combine followers of the now two diametrically opposed groups and the rest of the town folks will come out for it, some grudgingly I am sure, but if the rule applied that's what would happen.
Another third will be opposed. Quite frankly you can pretty much count on that figure on any issue anyway.
Would the normal 1/3 indifferent/no opinion/to this point undecided accept it. Well I suppose that depends. No other way to say it really. If the town has to give, which I assume it will in fact have to, it depends on how much the town is giving.
In what is a firm grasp of the obvious, the key to success will be the explanation given behind any settlement.
Here is another piece of unsolicited advice: Loose the Fairhaven united theme.
If anyone out there can envision any result that will get this whole town united behind it, I am all for it. It may be I have just become to pessimistic, but I don't see it happening.
Be real about the rationale. There are a heck of a lot more people in this town craving for a reasonable resolution to this matter than those wanting all or nothing on either side.
You aren't going to get unanimous acclamation for any decision. Don't try and sell it that way.
In the end, they are going to do what they are going to do.
And that's where I will end it.
Be safe.
It's not surprising that there were only 13 candidates. Time constraints, qualifications, general interest, and several other criteria I can think of instantly narrow the field of applicants. Can you imagine what would have been assumed, if for instance, a dozen Windwise members had applied? Not only that group, but other individuals may have thoughtfully passed on the opportunity to be considered. I hope the TSC will be independent of all bias.
ReplyDeleteThe first meeting wasn't taped? I was hoping the meetings would be broadcast. It's the only way for most, and easiest way for others to regularly follow them them. Just because attendance at meetings is sparse, it doesn't mean people aren't paying attention. This would have been an opportunity to get in on things from the start.
Could you tell us what the 'planned informational avenues' are?
Whatever agreement is made (between the town and Fairhaven Wind) it has to be announced with the authority and the honesty that convinces all parties that "this is the best anyone's going to get." If the window is left open for something different to be offered, it will only prolong the agony. All parties involved (including the affected residents,)probably know by now where their breaking point is, and how far they're willing to go.
ReplyDeleteThe two parties in control need to be completely honest and let everyone get on with their lives, however that needs to go.
Again I may have become too pessimistic in life, however I doubt you could get Bill Clinton or Ronald Regan (picking the most effective and recent favorite orators from the left and the right in my opinion) to make an announcement that is going to convince all parties. Too many people on both sides simply want all or nothing.
ReplyDeleteFairhaven Wind and the town need to lay everything on the table and then walk away- for good.
ReplyDeleteThe only way we can believe in the integrity of what we're being told by Fairhaven Wind or the town is if, when they tell us 'this is the best we can do,' they don't argue the point. No questions, no apologies.
The only way a debate continues is if both sides keep talking. And if someone is being completely honest, there shouldn't be debate over the truth.
Well if a settlement is reached, we will see if that ends the debate.
ReplyDelete