Credit Crunch?

Responsibility.  A very significant word these days.  No one every seems to want to claim it when things go wrong.  Everyone lines up tall and proud when things go right.

There is an old saying I will have to paraphrase to stay within the terms of use of this blog.  It is that sewerage does not flow up hill.  That may be the case, but at least in the concept of government, we should reverse the laws of gravity.  Because uphill is exactly where it should flow.

President Truman is known for saying the "buck stops here".  Stick around in local government just any period of time, heck pay attention to what goes on in every level of government, and you learn pretty quickly that the only time that "buck" stops getting passed around is when someone throws it out the window.  

Because one does some things well, because a group functions well on certain matters, doesn't equate to a free pass on the blunders, mistakes and inaction on other matters.  Money may be what is need to run government, but the failure to address the actual operations of government makes all the money you may have pointless.

The cause and effect for certain actions in nearly all matters can be traced to a single individual.  Isolated instances will be just that, isolated.  Blame certainly can often be placed on flukes and single errors. 

However when patterns develop and continue over years; when warning signs are ignored; when things build up; blame cannot continue to rest at the feet of one person or passed off as a result of an isolated instance. Problems continue to exist because problems are allowed to continue to exist.

Distrust and lack of cooperation do not just magically appear.

There is a festering concept taking root regarding the DOR proposals/recommendations.  I heard it twice yesterday, and several times over the past few weeks.  If we are such a well run community, if we are in such good financial shape, why do we need to change anything.

From the perspective of the casual observer, or those who may feel threatened by the recommendations is is a strong sounding argument.  

The rebuttal, and most compelling argument for change however, is while the ship may still be heading in the right direction, the financial realities of today's world are forcing the town to change course.  We are indeed in good shape compared to many communities.  Yet the course we are now on is heading toward the rocks not out to sea.

Financially well run?  Over the last 7 years or so it has been more a fact that we manage.  As far as any financial plan, well if there is one, if there has been one in place, its been a big secret.  In a couple of years when I do my tell all book, I will delve into the flaws and imperfections of the last ten years.

For now, the most important thing is to get the message out that we need a strong town manger.  after three meeting yesterday, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind this is what is needed.  We need a system in place where not only responsibility is clear, but the authority to implement policy and procedure is in place, and where there is no question as to accountability.

Many of the matters you will here about having been addressed prior to the issuance of the report, many of the progressive thinking were report driven, i.e. knowing what was coming.

I have this week listened to a financial professional and DOR representatives addressing issues involving the town.  I have read, and re-read, the DOR report.  I have reviewed hand outs regarding the financial picture.  

I have heard the term "building a level of trust".  I have heard about the need for formal policy and procedures, and how we are lacking the same.

After all the listening and reading, I am going to simply state, that when you take the credit for the good, you best be prepared to take the blame for the bad. 

Yes it is a team effort when you accomplish something, just as it is never truly one single play that cost the team the game.  Look back over the entire game and you will find numerous errors, bad plays and poor coaching decisions.

Put in another way, the ship we are sailing is the H.M.S. Bounty.  The only reason there hasn't been a full blown mutiny is there is no Captain aboard.  We have more than a fair share who like to think that they command the ship, but the crew knows better. 

There needs to be a hard look at exactly what isn't going right, and why it isn't.  A hard and honest look. People have to freely acknowledge the major drawbacks and have to accept their fair share of responsibility for the same.

I am willing to sail any true course someone can plot out, but for once actually plot out the course, articulate the goals and the plan.

Do we need to maintain a conservative financial approach.  Absolutely.  It is essential though that everyone know what that approach is.  It needs to be spelled out, it needs to be consistent and it needs to be followed. 

It also has to be realistic.   

The buck has to stop somewhere.  Since it is apparent right now that is never stops getting passed around, it is certainly readily apparent to this observer that we need a system that designates the stopping point.  

Everyone wants the power, but no one wants the responsibility for the adverse consequences.  Credibility is what earns you credit with the people.  The lack of it is where the town's credit rating has a problem, not with the banks, with its citizens.

Enough rant for today.  Stay warm.  Be safe.