Monday, briefly

First thing to mention today.  The Town Government Study Committee has a web site up and running. On of several right steps in my mind being taken by the committee to insure the opportunity of town residents to stay informed and involved in the process. 

The old saying is you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.  True enough.  The best possible thing for the town as a whole in this process is to have people become actively involved in the process.  To be aware of what is going on.  To follow the meetings, attend meetings (especially when there will be public hearings on things).

The committee has adopted a public comment period for its meetings.  The website provides a forum for review, information and comment.  There is contact information given.  Meetings are being video taped and broadcast, and are available "on demand" through the government access video link.

So far, all the right things are being done early on to counter the never ending excuse from too many people, "I didn't know."  

It is a given that no matter what one does, it will never be enough in the eyes of some.  I have absolutely no qualms when the issue is raised about some issues that something more should have been done to inform the public.  I can go along with that.  Somethings do warrant more than a legally required posting of a notice of meeting.

Yet if that is all that happens, so be it.  One has to accept the fact the minimal requirements were met.  Just as one has to accept the fallout for doing a poor job at public relations.

So far however, that is not going to be a legitimate complaint about his committee.

Hand in hand with government's "obligations", are those of its citizenry. Pay attention.  Stay informed.  Make an effort.  Be involved.

I am not going to go too far with the "good citizen" rant.  You are either going to do it or not, and my prodding isn't going to get you to take a drink of water.

What I am going to say is there is plenty going on to get people the information or access to it relative to the work by this committee.  If that effort stays consistent, the one excuse that should not be accepted by or used any person is "I didn't know".

When the committee gets into the nuts and bolts of its task. we will start to have a better idea of direction and chances of success.  Until then, the steps being taken look like those along the right path.  The DOR representative present at the last meeting did provide some insight as to the overall picture.

Stay "tuned" to what goes on with this committee.  As stated previously, this is the most important committee in town right now.  We are talking about the future here, and the decisions recommendations and votes to come will set the course of the town for decades, whether there is some change, a lot of change or no change.

There in lies the problem also.  People are split into those three scenarios.  We need some change, we need a lot of change, or we need no change.

Anyway ...

Selectmen are back in action this week. The every other Monday meeting will be held on Thursday.  No agenda posted yet.  That will probably happen sometime tomorrow late afternoon.  

All is quiet on the social media front, or at least as quiet as things get.

Five weeks from today, at 10:00 A.M. polls open for the Board of Health election.  

Turn out predictions anyone?  Or is it still too soon?

I have been asked several times whether there will be any candidates' night(s).  I haven't heard of any.  Do really really think it matters for this one?  Not whether it should matter mind you, whether it does matter.

Anyway, I need to get a move on this morning so that's all for today.

Be safe.