Election 2012- One Issue?

I have touched on this issue before, but it deserves more attention.

For many the April election in our town will be a one issue race.  There is no getting around that.  Let's face it, in most elections a decision on who to vote for often time comes down to a candidate's position on a specific issue.

The problem in this election, as in all elections, is the inescapable fact that when elected, that new town official is now not only going to have to deal with that one issue, but a host of problems.  As important as you may believe the turbines matter is, and it is important, the looking FY 2013 budget is no less so.

Whoever you vote for, remember that person is going to have the willingness and ability to deal with a host of matters.

When you go to candidates' nights held throughout town, when you have a chance to ask a candidate questions there, or anywhere, by all means seek their stance on the turbines, but also remember that the person elected will have to deal with more than just turbines.

How do they intend to deal with the budget?  Every department, committee and board is going to be faced with with tight if not reduced budgets for the next fiscal year, and most probably the following year.

What plans do they have for better government?  Believe it or not we all want better government.  It is easy to say that.  It is easy to talk about how one will work to making government better.  But find out just what plans they have to do that?  If they have an answer, then you need to ask how realistic are those plans.  You need to ask how they intend to implement them.

Here is an issue, in my mind, that each selectman candidate and each school committee member candidate should in fact be asked:  What is your position on the proposal being made by some in town to hold another vote on the new elementary school?

I do not believe any candidate individually is attempting to make this an issue.  So I am absolutely clear on that point, I repeat: I do not believe any candidate individually is attempting to make this an issue.

However, when there is a group in town which devotes an entire page of its website to this issue entitled "Wood School Re-Vote", asking people whether they want their name to be included on a petition for a
for a school re-vote, it is clear to me that this becomes a significant issue.

It should be obvious why you want each school committee candidate to answer this question.  For each selectman's candidate, an answer is warranted because the selectmen collectively have to deal with the issue on several levels.  I am not going to take up the space to detail how.  If you are running, you should either know this, or be able to figure it out.

Another question I think needs to be answered, and this is being asked truly to see if there is a workable solution to a a growing complaint:  If someone appears before your board/committee, is not on your agenda/notice of meeting and wishes to address the board/committee, how do you feel this should be handled?  Follow-up: how much time do you allow anyone?  How do you intend to meet demands for instant answers, votes, decisions, information?

Finally, at least for this post, here is another question, certainly for the candidates for selectman:  Would you support the formation of a Charter Commission to study Fairhaven's present "special act" charter and by-laws, and to make recommendations where warranted for changes in the same?

Feel free to comment and provide your own questions.