Charter - Challenge - Chatter

Let's start out with this:  I may have deleted someone's comment (one that hadn't been published.  If you sent in a comment and don't see it on a post, please resend.

As to the title to this blog, as I believe I previously told you, get use to hearing about a Charter.  The petition drive is going to happen.  

It is important that everyone realize at this point in the process that is all that is set in stone.  In order to get the matter on the ballot, the signatures must be collected.  

I know from talking to people that there is a great deal of sentiment about the need for changing things.  there are of course differing opinions as to what needs to be done and to what extent.  I believe very strongly however that to change how our town works we need to look at the entire structure.  the besgt way to do that is through a charter commission.

By signing the petition you do no more than agree with the fact that town government should be studied, that the voters should determine whether that should in fact be done, and that those same voters determine who should be on the commission.

There is no set plan.    No deals, no guaranteed seats on the commission.  Do people have ideas, sure do.  But there will be a 9 member commission that has make a proposal that then must be approved!!!  By the Town as a whole!!!!

The petition to place the idea on the ballot is a necessary first step in the process.  So if you agree government could operate better on the local level, please sign the petition when you can.  Get involved. 

If your interested, let me know and I will pass that along to Sharon Andersen.  There is an e-mail address set up which will make it into a post at some time (in a rush here this morning so I need to dig it up later).  

The Challenge:  This goes out to every candidate holding an event over the next few weeks.  It really isn't a challenge but it sounded like a good word to use in the title so ...   

Are you willing to take a few petition pages to give your supporters the opportunity to sign them?  

Everyone is proposing making government better.  Well, this is a first step, and the one step that can most definitely do that.   Make the effort to reach out and get signature pages!!!

Now for the chatter:  Still related to the have.  The chatter is really another request.  Talk this up.  Make everyone aware of what is going on.  People need to know.  they can decide for themselves whether they agree with the idea or not, but they need to know!!!!!!

And remember this will be happening.  So start thinking about your ideas now.  People will have the opportunity to attend public hearings as required by law and the public meetings of the commission when formed if the town votes to do so.  Do not be complacent.  

Do not dismiss this concept because of the fact people you may not agree with some people on other issues who are involved.  Do yourself, your town and the democratic process the greatest benefit you can and acknowledge the fact that people can  disagree about some things and be in agreement on others.

I end today with a quote I have used on facebook:

‎"Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress. " - Bruce Barton