Friday, definitely TGIF

Okay, with everything else going on in town, a bit baffled that the loudest chatter on the streets seems to be about the Roger/Oxford former school buildings.  But I suppose with the air time and stances being taken.

If you are one of the numerous people who have expressed opinions relative to the disposition of these buildings, in the day late and dollar short category there was a meeting of the committee dealing with the issue last.

As far as the idea and concept that disposing of these buildings somehow equates to selling out our benefactor, well perhaps one need only look to the deeds concerning the properties in comparison to the deed for the castle on the hill, or the original plan instituted for our town library to get an insight about what our benefactor anticipated relative to the future of the various gifts to our town. 

The high school, well it has to remain what per the terms of the gift? The library, well our benefactor establish a water company to insure the continued existence of the library.  As to the Roger's school, what's the provision in the deed relative to the sale of that one folks? Might be the benefactor had some insight as to whether that particular gift was suppose to hang around as long as the actual "500 year buildings" he built.

I get the concerns of the neighbors.  I do.  The neighbors also should be very concerned by the fact that the biggest protection to their quality of life isn't going to be a restriction on maintaining the existing facade of the "structure".  The auctioneer had it right folks, your zoning is what will protect you.

Whatever the intended and eventual restrictions proposed and tried to be implemented, keep in mind, not only what was but what will be.  Big difference between 200 kids in the building 180 days a year with traffic congestion five days a week for about a hour in the morning and mid-afternoon, and a building that will be run say with people coming and going, being used for what?

The bottom line on these buildings, is in fact what will the bottom line end up being.

Let us also deal with the notion that the school could have been saved if only ... If only we had a money pit actually filled with money could that school still be a school.

As far as raising taxes to keep the building, how much more you going to raise them?  Just how many people are willing to pay more to keep this building?  Just how much more is any one really willing to pay?

Amazing how all energy is being directed one way on a two building issue.  Amazing how you can manage to get an article on the special for money to further deal with the Roger's building disposition, but nothing to clear up the survey issues, or other problems related to the Oxford building.  I certainly hope those concerned about the gift in the center are just as concerned about the gift in the north end when the time comes for dealing with that one.

Can't wait for the next big issue on this one.  Who cuts the grass?  Want to bet that springs up?

AND ...

Monday's election.  

Two elections with actual choices.  Most people, again seem to have their minds made up in advance.  Taking a guess about the readership of this blog, I doubt there are any fence sitters at this point.  Anyway, I know which side of the fence I will be on for both of those elections.     

Let's be serious about being serious on the issue of campaign fundraising.  You seriously don't want to seriously campaign, don't. Also don't criticize someone for not taking anything for granted.

There is a big difference between a true grassroots campaign where a candidate works his or her tail off to get elected on a low budget, and someone who tosses their hat in the ring and tries to use the mantra of "fiscal conservative" for not publicly campaigning hard in any fashion.

As far as being fiscally conservative, I might buy into that if the constant refrain wasn't you spend too much everywhere else, and not enough on my departments.

Life is what it is folks.

That's it for today.

Be safe.