Thursday, SNAFU?

Right wrong or indifferent, the way a vote is cast for the B of H race will again be decided essentially for most people by the turbines.  If one proceeds under the assumption that the past September re-do results are an indication of continuing general sentiment, well one also has to proceed under the assumption that the B of H race is over. 

But there is a reason we hold elections folks.  Same reason the football games are actually played. That being said, and absent something similar to last year's "smoking gun" revelation or something of real significance developing, even with the cracks in it the crystal ball shows a pretty clear view.

Turn out is always a worry.  

One thing that seems consistent among the amateur political pundits, myself included in that designation, this election should see a low turnout. Even with a low one, say 15% (not my prediction at this point, just an example), The who can get the vote out edge should still remain with the group who got the vote out in September.

I don't see this one being close at this point.

Neither do I see the the Selectmen's race as a close one.  Based on the statements last night, the challenger is running essentially a show up at the candidate's night, get your name on the ballot, and word of mouth campaign.  there is a certain amount of that word of mouth effect going on by a certain segment. 

Well actually several segments of the "active" voters.

Nonetheless, from a prognosticator's viewpoint, one might be able to put out a line as to whether this one will even come close to the "thirds rule".  

Anyway, subject to the same caveats above about forecasting, the incumbent would have an even money line, and the challenger would be in double digits.  Stranger things have happened mind you, however not based on what is, as far as that what is stands today.

Listening to what was said last night would not give the undecided voter any real impetus to make a decision for change in that office. 

On the expenditure vs. revenue scenario, any given candidate in any given election over the past 10 years could have made the same argument and may very well be able to make that argument in future years absent a plan.

Tell me how you intend to do it, which budgets you intend to cut and why, heck I will listen. Might not agree but I will listen.  I have been stating for years we need a plan that prioritizes. But as long as campaign rhetoric stays in the rhetoric stage, it isn't a solution.

But if you are going to take those "cuts" and shift the amounts elsewhere so you can do the same song and dance, well, we aren't cutting.  If your goal is to take the extra surplus revenue you will generate this year and use it in two years for the same purposes you are using it now, you aren't solving the underlying problem of using surplus revenue are you?

I digress and also acknowledge that specific point was not made by anyone last night.

But digressing even further, make it simple enough to understand, because I for one am having a great deal of difficulty with the one being pressed forward right now.  

In fairness to our current elected officials I will say the the current plan being pressed by our elected officials, has for the most part been done with enough caveats as being goals to strive for.  

Learning to live within your means is a reality every one has to face at some point.  So is the fact that government is a business, in the business of providing public service.  I will tell you right now our town does a very good job at most things.  The one thing we need to address is what reduction in services should take place.  

Absent a reduction in those services, you are not going to see any cure to the expenditure problem. Oh don't get me wrong.  I am hearing the rumblings of cuts to some budgets, even smaller ones, that will reduce services.  If someone proposes something to be and tells me well this is what we can live with and this is what it will be going forward, heck I again will listen.

If you are proposing essentially a death of a thousand cuts to some little department however, well that is an entirely different story. If your goal is to reduce staffing in other departments, why phase it in?

Okay enough of that digression.  

Long and the shot of last night.  Essentially a pretty pat exhibition game providing no reason to truly reassess the early line.

Next even is next Tuesday.  That's right Tuesday.  According to the press it starts at 6:30 P.M.  

Until then as far as campaign assessments I guess.  As for everything else, until the next blog.

Be safe.