Saturday's Notes

There some things that appear rather certain to come from the present debate raging over not only the turbines but the transparency, notice, process issues.

First, I am going to prognosticate and state that this will be the last time in the foreseeable future that the Board of Selectmen are granted the authority to enter into a contract without specifics being set out (I know, not really a tough guess).  

This could be problematic on some issues, and we should keep in mind that there may very well be times that discretion to negotiate would be warranted.  On the whole though, I think Town Meeting is going to insist on a significant amount of detail being inserted into the motions seeking such approval.

Next, it is unlikely you will see any similar contract entered into (by similar, I do not mean turbine I mean development).  I seriously doubt you are going to find anyone willing to tie up their cash and make an investment in Fairhaven for anything that even hints of controversy.

As an FYI to everyone proposing to dump the turbines and replace with solar, even if the turbines are dumped, that land would be off limits for years due to litigation and appeals of the trail court decision. At least that is my best guess.

There will be a significant turnover in town officials.

No, not as a result of term limits or recalls (but always a possibility), rather by attrition. It will be a trend that will continue for several election years.

Controversies like the two most recent ones have a way of getting people to rethink the commitment that is needed.  They energize others.

New faces will get elected or appointed.  A few will embrace the challenges, and more then a few will run away from them as quickly as they can once they actually discover what is involved.

After the next election, Town Meeting will be in a flux.  This has more to do with the fact everyone is running for re-election this year than any one issue.  It happens every 10 years ladies and gentlemen due to the redrawing of precinct lines.  This is the third time I have gone through this  (member since 1985 I believe).

There is loss in seated members.  Some will forget or do not realize they need to again pull papers to run.  Some will not run simply because they have to gather the signatures, and a few will not run for other reasons.  Thus there will be a bunch of new members.  Some who have ran for a specific issue, some who wish to become involved. 

Once the new make up is in place, more than a few long standing members will decide it is time to move on after another meeting or two.  More then a few new members decide T.M. isn't for them.  It usually takes T.M. two to three years to develop what I call a rhythm.

People are going to be in factions for awhile.  The turbines coupled with the recent school vote have and will create divisions and camps that will not slowly disappear.

This is an observation ladies and gentlemen and a sad reality.

I do not imply everyone will think or act that way.

I certainly hope I am entirely wrong and things will be different.

Having seen it happen though, it will likely again happen again with some (and let us be honest, already has).  It is not something unique in Fairhaven.  Indeed if you talk to people from just about anywhere long enough, you will find out just how common the problem is.

It is the all too common fallout from refusing to accept a loss; and, even more sadly, from being unable to be a gracious winner.

A jaded point of view, perhaps.  A point of view I have seen proven too often unfortunately.

One potential positive thing that could happen: Maybe all of this could turn out to be the impetus for a charter commission.  There are a whole lot of reasons to do one now.  I know you might be sick of me harping on this concept, but I really think it is long over due.

I hear more often than not that there is a need for change in the way things are done.  There would have to be a willingness to start from the ground up and look at every aspect of government.  Every office, position, method of appointment and election.

I also think it could be a unifying force for our Town.   It certainly would be nice to find a common ground on something.