Is it doable?

We often gripe about what is wrong with government.  A constant and loud gripe. A rant if you will that covers all spectrums of the structure.

So I thought I might do a piece about what is right about government.  On the federal and state level, the only right thing is essentially the concept behind it.  No, i don't mean either of today's competing political philosophies.  I am referencing the principals behind the establishment of the governmental system of the nation, warts and all, and there were a few warts.  

Rather than a historical dissertation  let's speed it up to the present.  On the state and federal level, the what is right concept is hard to plug right now.  Early morning clouded head I suppose.  I just can't think of too much that is right.

Locally, on the Fairhaven town level, I have a really clear favorite as to what is right.  The town meeting format.  Town meeting does in fact work, and it works well. Of course that is my opinion.  

I have hear a number of people disagree with that.  I have read a number of articles, posts and comments describing Town Meeting members as sheep, and worse.  

As with any system there are some flaws.  Overall, I think most, not all mind you, of those who are critical of town meeting, would be critical of any system that didn't go their way.  There in lies the dilemma however in any change or reform.

Those who perceive they have been slighted or adversely affected, be it by the status quo or by the change will cry foul, loudly and often.

We as a town do face a significant dilemma.  Town Meeting will be addressing some of the components of that dilemma in May.

But for the DOR report, much of the discussion that will heat up soon, would not be taking place.  

A fair number of people (a minority I think, but one that can't and shouldn't be ignored), for various reasons are not going to support the more radical recommendations in the report.  Some of those reasons will be selfish in nature; some will be due to the natural resistance to change; some will be based on personal opinions for different change; and, some will be puzzling.

There are some easy things to do in the report.  Those matters are items that quite frankly should all ready be in place.  The reasons as to why they are not can only be answered by those in charge.  Some of the recommendations are not even matters that will require action or input from the general public.

If it seems I have been addressing this report a bit too much, well you need to get use to it, because I intend to do a fair amount of writing about it.  I especially intend to keep pounding the keyboard on the issues I think will prevent any real change from happening.

The biggest impediment to any proposal will be the proposal itself.  Any attempt that is nothing more than window dressing will fail, and should.  I am hearing little bits about why change anything, people are satisfied with what we have.  

People as a whole may be extremely apathetic, but satisfied?  Not if you really listen to them.  

Part of the potential problem with the proposal segment will be the failure or success to get it out there in a timely and informed manner.  We aren't going to be able to accomplish everything in one fell swoop.  Priorities and time frames are essential.  Realize that.  Make it clear, come up with a reasonable and logical time line.

What eventually gets submitted to Town Meeting needs to be detailed and specific.  If it can't be managed in May, than take more time and do it right.  You shouldn't need to, not on the first 4 recommendations, but if you have to, than do it.  Be prepared to call a special town meeting in mid to late June if you have to though.

There should be at least two (2) well advertised public hearings on the detailed proposal.  Newspaper ads, frequent access channel notices, get the school channel to post also.  Ask every board and committee to make a public announcement.  Have every town department post the notice in its offices in a conspicuous place.  

The meetings should be conducted and concluded at least two weeks in advance of town meeting and at least two weeks apart.  They should be taped, televised and put online.  Use the town website.

This is where the public as a whole, and town meeting members specifically come into play.  First, start letting them know what you intend to do.  Get the word out as to approximately when.  Remind people they need to get involved.  They need to keep an eye out and an ear open as to exact times and dates.

Do this and quite frankly anyone showing up at Town Meeting stating they weren't aware, has no excuse.

The second impediment will be the nit picking.  Accept the simple fact you cannot come up with a proposal that will be universally accepted.  Resist the temptation to try and appease everyone, and do not compromise on changes that exempt certain individuals, department and boards from provisions inserted for town wide benefit.  

You will hear repeatedly, in on form or another, "that might work for the rest of the town, but it won't work for my department".  Right off the bat, such a statement is more often than not (very often actually) a red hearing.  

After nearly twenty years of some type of active involvement in the process known as town government, I have learned the phrase, "I can't do that" usually means "I don't want to do that".  Big difference in many cases.  Anyone making that statement should be able to rattle off the hard facts as to why they can't, or why you can't.  

Trust me when I say, in most instances it will become painfully obvious the reasoning is self-serving.

I guess what I am trying to say is resist the small town mentality about protecting turf.  You are going to get bombarded by it.

What is in the works is too important.  Quite frankly, because the report does in fact exist, there are some long term ramifications if the town simply let's it slip into oblivion.  There will be more on that as matters progress.

The biggest thing I think people have to grasp is the fact there is a need to analysis the report as a whole in formulating a game plan.  Many of the recommendations are based on a strong manager concept.  some will work, and should be implemented whether we go that route or not.  

The key ones though are, in my mind, based on that concept.  The key ones aren't going to work without it.  Indeed some shouldn't even be considered without it.

Exciting times ahead.  Also a bit of uncertainty and some trepidation.  

That's just about it for today.  Be Safe everyone.  I am going to end today's piece with one of my favorite quotes.  

For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. - John F. Kennedy