Another Monday hit the calendar yesterday. If you noticed no new blog hit the page though.
I was just too depressed about the possibility that nationally, we were hours away from another federal "shutdown". I found out this morning it is here.
I was just too depressed about the possibility that nationally, we were hours away from another federal "shutdown". I found out this morning it is here.
Yesterday was also the last day of the first fiscal quarter for the 2014 FY budget for the state, which was significant because it will be followed by actual 1st quarter revenue information, which will give all of an idea what can be expected for the rest of the year, which is probably more depressing news.
Locally, well things seem to have quieted down a bit. Still some behind the scenes activity going on. A rumor or two floating about, grumbles and rumblings. But for the moment, and I emphasize "moment", on the political front we are as close to reaching the Sea of Tranquility as humanly possible without a spaceship.
Mind you, the water is still a bit choppy in areas. For the most part though a bit of smooth sailing I guess, at least for the moment.
The good news for this morning, no dissension, problems, discord or tension last night at a selectboard meeting. A Monday night has come and gone with no unanswered questions or points to be disputed.
Mind you, the water is still a bit choppy in areas. For the most part though a bit of smooth sailing I guess, at least for the moment.
The good news for this morning, no dissension, problems, discord or tension last night at a selectboard meeting. A Monday night has come and gone with no unanswered questions or points to be disputed.
Speaking of disputes...
We really need to come to terms with what is involved with a town administrator form of government. I note that my use of the term "town administrator" is interchangeable with the term "town manager" if that be your preference.
First and foremost it involves those powers and duties the town will vote for. People need to understand that there isn't a one style fits all. How strong the position would be depends on how strong we wish it to be, if that is what ends up being recommended.
So we need to truly assess the present make up of government, look at the pluses and minuses and determine what needs to be done. The task of the government study committee is to do that. Our task is to pay attention, analysis and review the ultimate recommendations and decide.
If you get down to the basics of much of what goes on, many of the problems which exist in town truly stem from our linear government. Too many little turf wars based on too many patches of turf, tended by too many groundskeepers.
Not all of it is caused simply because of the players involved either. The evolution of government on all levels is as much to blame for specialized government function as those who zealously guard the ever evolving status quo.
When something goes wrong, the fingers start pointing, and unfortunately in a linear government, some of that finger pointing is in fact justified. So much so that often you can form a circle of pointers, each with their finger out in the directions of the person next to them, and they would all be correct at least in part.
But I digress, well not really but ...
I am running out of time this morning, I am going to ask everyone to think long and hard about what it is they feel needs to be changed in local government, and why. If you feel nothing need be changed, maybe you can explain exactly why not.
What happens going forward is going to be dependent on the ability of people to rationalize either position.
It is time to go. Be Safe.
But I digress, well not really but ...
I am running out of time this morning, I am going to ask everyone to think long and hard about what it is they feel needs to be changed in local government, and why. If you feel nothing need be changed, maybe you can explain exactly why not.
What happens going forward is going to be dependent on the ability of people to rationalize either position.
It is time to go. Be Safe.
The government shut down this morning. In a lot of corners of the world- nothing was any different this morning than any other morning. And it will probably be a while before any dire consequences are felt in our tiny corner of the nation. Except if you've been following the 24 hour panda cam at the zoo. How many of us didn't even know there was money being spent for that?
ReplyDeleteThis is the time you should have brought up 'needs and necessities.' Depending upon how long the shut down lasts, each passing day will present us with a clearer and clearer picture of what's a need and what's a necessity.
Aside from the political battle between the butting heads in Washington, what we need to see is what's led us to the major standoff- over spending.
I doubt most of us run our household budgets like the federal budget. We have to spend within our means. If we don't, we have to pay the consequences. Whether that means borrowing, losing what we have, or a few other unfavorable choices, our lifestyle is going change.
Why are some things in government run so differently than in our homes?
Is it because there's no accountability? On the local level it was reported that a (town department's) sanding vehicle was auctioned because although it only had 26,000 miles, it was rotted out because the salt was not washed off after it was used. If the driver or maintenance worker owned the vehicle would they have not taken better care of it?
Or does government run differently because the money flows endlessly? Need more- raise taxes. Or worse- keep borrowing.
With the government shut down, we'll now see exactly what a necessity is. The panda cam certainly wasn't one.
When it comes down to maintenance of equipment an property some people dont care period wether they own it or not.Of course we do have supervision who supposedly should be policing the maintenance procedures.my guess is that is lacking also.Shutdowns have happened before and a few items are cut here an there,but alas the money tree is not reduced so a new item will be born.Town manager concept works for a lot of towns,Our town seems to want to know what we would be losing versus the gains made by the changes to this type of administration.It seems like there are to many turf groups out there trying to hold on to their piece of ground.An old concept that needs to be changed..
ReplyDeleteSome people have concerns about how one person can serve on multiple boards. There never seems to be an uproar about it, but it doesn't seem right. Why is this continued? Is it because of lack of participation, or does no one want to disturb the status quo?
ReplyDeleteActually you raise a very good point. Fundamentally, I have some very significant concerns about persons serving on multiple boards. The primary justification, and in many instances necessity, does in fact stem from lack of participation. My rule of thumb was, is, and would be where applicants seek a seat, and both would be deemed qualified, if one sits on a statutorily mandated board/committee, the other should be given the seat. Unfortunately that isn't what has, does or will happen. I would go so far as to extend policy as to prohibit any elected official from sitting on any other statutorily mandated appointed board or committee, unless the same required such an appointment. Certainly there is need and at times often a desire for elected officials to be on advisory/ad hoc committees, and even town meeting created committees. It may be necessary to bend that policy where no other qualified person applies to fill a vacancy. But absent such a need, that would be my policy.
ReplyDelete