V is for?

This very easily could have been a one word post.

However, since brevity has not often been a hallmark for selectmen's meetings, and despite promises to make it so, is destined to be remain the exception rather than the rule ...

Some observations relative to the BOS meeting, mainly as it applied to the BPW:

This was one of those meetings where I wish I were up to speed on tweeting. Seriously, the potential for the live feed was way up there.

Hats off to some of the BPW member points, note the word some because if you watch the tape and are aware of what has transpired in the not to distant past, you will see and hear for yourself how one member's take was note even remotely appropriate.

The concept that one should not be voted onto the BPW because one lost an election for a different race, say the BOS, might be a reason not to appointment him to the BOS. However if losing an election for the BOS is statement of the public speaking about not sitting on any other board, well that kind of disqualified someone else too.

Raising the issue about having been on the committee which attempted to abolish the BPW was something that needed to be addressed.

The tap dance about why someone who voted to get rid of a board as it is should be appointed to that board, arguing that the someone wasn't really getting rid of the board as is, well it would have been quaint if it hadn't been so well worn. 

I suppose you can argue it is still the same dog once you have it neutered, right.

Let's talk about experience. I am guessing the BPW members who spoke hoping for experience were looking for practical rather than the ivory tower.  Well all but one anyway. 

Another excellent point was the issue of stability, and there was another tap dance about stability. 

Trust me when I say, stepping stone was, is and will be on everyone's mind. It certainly wasn't dispelled by the simple inability to commit to a run for BPW seat next April. Yes, everyone is knows it is impossible to know what may come next May (more appropriately April).

I for one could have understood the statement, my present intention is to run but ultimately I will base my decision on this little test drive.  

The fact that most in the room and a few out in TV land are aware of the yes I am, no I am not running again position of our current BOS chair, coupled with the clear political ambition of some in the room, gave the concept of stability was extreme validity.  The former selectmen was responsive and to the point in his answer. The wannabe selectmen, not sure where that play is in any playbook, but evasive doesn't work.

Now I am not sure everyone caught all the innuendo in some of the comments. Some of the stuff was as blatant as could be though

Best question of the day, when the BOS was asked whether they had made their decision (individually of course) prior to the meeting.

Our chairman did the best tap dance of the night. If the birdies chirping out in rumor land are half correct, and those birdies usually are at least that, it may in fact be that the decision who to vote for was not made, but there was absolutely a decision on who note to vote for. Of course if the chirping birdies are correct, one could ask why he was even in the seat making a decision, but that is for another day perhaps.

At least the other two were honest and said heck yeah.

Let's also award the "are you serious" head scratch prize to the four year commitment comment at the end by the one candidate with no support.  After that comment, no wonder no one motioned him.

Oh wait, there was the platitude that could have, shall we say, been phoned in for all it was worth made by the sole BPW member expressing a rather zealous position. Not so sure that was as much for him as against one of the other guys. 

In the end the Board appointed the "newcomer".  Let's be clear, his professional background most certainly will be a plus.  An understanding of what is involved in the workings of the BPW.  

And as much as I tend to disregard the ivory tower, I will say this, it will be very interesting next year if someone has an itch to go after the present chairman's seat. 

I am going to leave the whole Oxford School thingy alone today.  That received a whole lot of attention. Watching the end of that meeting last night just highlights the baffling mentality out there about what the town owes to anyone.

Someone also might want to remind those sitting at the table that the microphones are on (would have been perfect to tweet "Did you hear that?").

Anyway, Be Safe.