Just a reminder that the Lion's Clubs are always looking for used Eye Glasses and Hearing Aids. If you have any that you want to get rid of There are boxes in Windsor at Friendly Freds and in Savoy at the Senior Center. They can be left at the Savoy General Store.
Or if you like call 743-5346 leave a message if not answer and some one will pick them up. by Alice Liebenow
Thursday, September 29, 2005
The September 27 Select Board Meeting began at 7:03 PM. Select Board members Rita Pierce and Emile Mazur were ready to carry forth with the agenda. Prospective Select Board candidates Chad Wagenknecht and John D’Alesandro were in attendance.
Mr. Mazur read a letter from George Witek commending Ray LaBonte and his crew for the work they did on culverts. Mr. Witek writes ‘the culverts look like a ‘first-class job. Mr. Mazur said the Select Board often receives letters from residents commending Mr. LaBonte and the road crew for the outstanding job they do to keep the town roads in good shape.
The Select Board in looking into changing the days of the Transfer Station. Mr. Zavattaro has received requests to keep the current schedule as long as possible. Mr. LaBonte suggested that for the winter months maybe the hours should be changed and keep the Transfer Station open longer on Saturdays. Do we really need two days? Wouldn’t longer hours on Saturday be more convenient? Wouldn’t the town save money?
Mr. Wagenknecht, at the request of the Select Board, looked into lighting for the Transfer Station. The choice is between a standard light and a floodlight. After a brief discussion, the decision was to go with a floodlight. There would be more area coverage for the Transfer Station.
Mr. Wagenknecht reported to the Select Board he had contacted WMECO to do an energy audit on the Fire House. WMECO will provide suggestions on what should be done to improve efficiency. This service is free to the community.
The Savoy Karary Kats applied for a permit for a lottery cash calendar to sell lottery tickets. This one-time request was approved for September 27, 2005 to December 31, 2005.
The discussion on Discontinuance of Maintenance of Roads is ongoing. Mr. LaBonte said the roads need to be marked from the point where the roads will not be maintained during the winter to the end of the road.
Mr. Mazur said he had tried to get help from the community, but to date no one has been willing to assist with this task. Mr. LaBonte explained that Discontinuance of Maintenance of Roads is different from Discontinued Roads. Discontinued Roads have to go before the town for approval. The road then reverts to the landowners on those roads.
The question of posting the roads was raised. Mr. LaBonte said a sign, which cost $150, had been posted at the intersection of Adams and Center Road. Vandals have removed the sign. Mr. LaBonte said to continue spending money to post signs would not alleviate the problem. As soon as they are put in the ground, they get lifted. The Town needs to find some means to notify the public and community that certain roads are not maintained by the Highway Department during the winter months. People either do not abide by sign postings or the signs do not remain to warn people to stay off the roads. There have been occasions when people traveling these roads get stuck and need assistance to get out. Mr. LaBonte said tow truck operators would not come to Savoy to assist stuck vehicles on these roads. People then call the Highway Department to get then out of their rut. If tow truck operators will not go down these roads in the winter, the Highway Department should not have to endanger either the road crew or town trucks to try to get people’s vehicles out. The issue is still under review as to the best course of action so the town is not liable for individual’s folly.
The Tax Classification Hearing was easy to resolve. The Town will remain ‘residential’. The tax rate has been lowered from $13.19 to $13.06 as a result of new growth and a tight budget. By Brenda Smith
Mr. Mazur read a letter from George Witek commending Ray LaBonte and his crew for the work they did on culverts. Mr. Witek writes ‘the culverts look like a ‘first-class job. Mr. Mazur said the Select Board often receives letters from residents commending Mr. LaBonte and the road crew for the outstanding job they do to keep the town roads in good shape.
The Select Board in looking into changing the days of the Transfer Station. Mr. Zavattaro has received requests to keep the current schedule as long as possible. Mr. LaBonte suggested that for the winter months maybe the hours should be changed and keep the Transfer Station open longer on Saturdays. Do we really need two days? Wouldn’t longer hours on Saturday be more convenient? Wouldn’t the town save money?
Mr. Wagenknecht, at the request of the Select Board, looked into lighting for the Transfer Station. The choice is between a standard light and a floodlight. After a brief discussion, the decision was to go with a floodlight. There would be more area coverage for the Transfer Station.
Mr. Wagenknecht reported to the Select Board he had contacted WMECO to do an energy audit on the Fire House. WMECO will provide suggestions on what should be done to improve efficiency. This service is free to the community.
The Savoy Karary Kats applied for a permit for a lottery cash calendar to sell lottery tickets. This one-time request was approved for September 27, 2005 to December 31, 2005.
The discussion on Discontinuance of Maintenance of Roads is ongoing. Mr. LaBonte said the roads need to be marked from the point where the roads will not be maintained during the winter to the end of the road.
Mr. Mazur said he had tried to get help from the community, but to date no one has been willing to assist with this task. Mr. LaBonte explained that Discontinuance of Maintenance of Roads is different from Discontinued Roads. Discontinued Roads have to go before the town for approval. The road then reverts to the landowners on those roads.
The question of posting the roads was raised. Mr. LaBonte said a sign, which cost $150, had been posted at the intersection of Adams and Center Road. Vandals have removed the sign. Mr. LaBonte said to continue spending money to post signs would not alleviate the problem. As soon as they are put in the ground, they get lifted. The Town needs to find some means to notify the public and community that certain roads are not maintained by the Highway Department during the winter months. People either do not abide by sign postings or the signs do not remain to warn people to stay off the roads. There have been occasions when people traveling these roads get stuck and need assistance to get out. Mr. LaBonte said tow truck operators would not come to Savoy to assist stuck vehicles on these roads. People then call the Highway Department to get then out of their rut. If tow truck operators will not go down these roads in the winter, the Highway Department should not have to endanger either the road crew or town trucks to try to get people’s vehicles out. The issue is still under review as to the best course of action so the town is not liable for individual’s folly.
The Tax Classification Hearing was easy to resolve. The Town will remain ‘residential’. The tax rate has been lowered from $13.19 to $13.06 as a result of new growth and a tight budget. By Brenda Smith
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Select Board Meeting for September 13 was cancelled. The meeting for September 20 was held with Rita Pierce and Emile Mazur present. Both Chad Wagenknecht and John D'Alesandro attended the meeting. The highlights of the meeting are noted below:
A letter relating to the work done on the ditch on Bernie Malloy’s property was read into the minutes. Mr. Malloy signed off that the work was completed September 8, 2005 in the amount of $6,152.34. (Note: At the August 30 meeting, Mr. Malloy asked about the work to be done on his property. Erosion started on Mr. Malloy's property after the highway department started a 'ditch project' last year. Mr. LaBonte went to the Select Board in the Spring to see if there was enough money available to fix Mr. Malloy's property. After a heated disagreement, Rita Pierce asked for the Select Board to go into Executive Session to resolve this issue. When the Executive Session was over, Mr. Mazur said the Select Board had agreed to fix Mr. Malloy's property.) Mr. Mazur stated these monies would come out of highway department funds. Mr. Mazur wanted the townspeople to know how much the work cost. When there are requests for road work, there won't be money.
A letter has been received from the District Attorney, David Capeless, informing the select board all the police departments in the county will be receiving state-of-the-art digital audio-visual recording equipment. Professional installation of the equipment is also being provided.
This donation by Mr. Capeless’s office is made possible through the use of funds forfeited from drug dealers as a result of investigations by the Berkshire Drug Task Force.
Mr. Capeless writes ‘this recording equipment will be used for documenting the interviews of suspects in criminal investigations, in compliance with the mandates of the case of Commonwealth v DiGiambattista, 442 Mass 423 (2004).’
Mr. Don Phinney, Park Commission, attended the meeting to request the Select Board permit Ray Labonte to cut steel beams and drag them over by the picnic tables. These beams will be placed across the river. The Select Board agreed Ray could do the work.
To be in compliance with the DEP, the Select Board will have a sign posted at the ‘dump’ with the name of the facility and hours of operation.
There will be a Tax Classification meeting September 27 at 7:30 pm to set the tax rate for Savoy, and to decided whether to keep the current “residential classification”.
Select Board Chair Mazur said all town committees must keep minutes of their meeting. Minutes of meetings are also available to any town’s person who wants to review them. Mr. Mazur recommended the committees use a loose-leaf binder. A copy of the minutes is to be provided to the Town Clerk and the Select Board.
Susan McGrath provided the following from the ‘Municipal Advocate, Vol. 22, No. 1. What are the requirements for minutes of a public meeting?
“ The Open Meeting Law (M.G.L. Ch. 39, Sec 23B) as well as the Public Records Law, requires every governmental body to maintain accurate minutes of all its meetings. At a minimum, minutes must set forth the date, time and place of the meeting, the identity of the members present or absent, and all “action taken.” Action taken includes not only votes and other formal decisions made at a meeting, but also discussion or consideration of issues for which no vote taken or final determination is made. Each discussion held at the meeting must be identified; in most cases this is accomplished by setting forth a summary of each discussion. A verbatim record of discussions is not required.
The Open Meeting Law contains no provisions regarding the form in which minutes of meetings must be maintained. The longevity requirements for record preservation under the Public Records Law, however, require that a governmental body eventually put its minutes into a written form. Such a requirement is also consistent with the Open Meeting Law’s intent of providing ready access to legible minutes. For the same reason, typed minutes, though not required, are preferable.” by Brenda Smith
A letter relating to the work done on the ditch on Bernie Malloy’s property was read into the minutes. Mr. Malloy signed off that the work was completed September 8, 2005 in the amount of $6,152.34. (Note: At the August 30 meeting, Mr. Malloy asked about the work to be done on his property. Erosion started on Mr. Malloy's property after the highway department started a 'ditch project' last year. Mr. LaBonte went to the Select Board in the Spring to see if there was enough money available to fix Mr. Malloy's property. After a heated disagreement, Rita Pierce asked for the Select Board to go into Executive Session to resolve this issue. When the Executive Session was over, Mr. Mazur said the Select Board had agreed to fix Mr. Malloy's property.) Mr. Mazur stated these monies would come out of highway department funds. Mr. Mazur wanted the townspeople to know how much the work cost. When there are requests for road work, there won't be money.
A letter has been received from the District Attorney, David Capeless, informing the select board all the police departments in the county will be receiving state-of-the-art digital audio-visual recording equipment. Professional installation of the equipment is also being provided.
This donation by Mr. Capeless’s office is made possible through the use of funds forfeited from drug dealers as a result of investigations by the Berkshire Drug Task Force.
Mr. Capeless writes ‘this recording equipment will be used for documenting the interviews of suspects in criminal investigations, in compliance with the mandates of the case of Commonwealth v DiGiambattista, 442 Mass 423 (2004).’
Mr. Don Phinney, Park Commission, attended the meeting to request the Select Board permit Ray Labonte to cut steel beams and drag them over by the picnic tables. These beams will be placed across the river. The Select Board agreed Ray could do the work.
To be in compliance with the DEP, the Select Board will have a sign posted at the ‘dump’ with the name of the facility and hours of operation.
There will be a Tax Classification meeting September 27 at 7:30 pm to set the tax rate for Savoy, and to decided whether to keep the current “residential classification”.
Select Board Chair Mazur said all town committees must keep minutes of their meeting. Minutes of meetings are also available to any town’s person who wants to review them. Mr. Mazur recommended the committees use a loose-leaf binder. A copy of the minutes is to be provided to the Town Clerk and the Select Board.
Susan McGrath provided the following from the ‘Municipal Advocate, Vol. 22, No. 1. What are the requirements for minutes of a public meeting?
“ The Open Meeting Law (M.G.L. Ch. 39, Sec 23B) as well as the Public Records Law, requires every governmental body to maintain accurate minutes of all its meetings. At a minimum, minutes must set forth the date, time and place of the meeting, the identity of the members present or absent, and all “action taken.” Action taken includes not only votes and other formal decisions made at a meeting, but also discussion or consideration of issues for which no vote taken or final determination is made. Each discussion held at the meeting must be identified; in most cases this is accomplished by setting forth a summary of each discussion. A verbatim record of discussions is not required.
The Open Meeting Law contains no provisions regarding the form in which minutes of meetings must be maintained. The longevity requirements for record preservation under the Public Records Law, however, require that a governmental body eventually put its minutes into a written form. Such a requirement is also consistent with the Open Meeting Law’s intent of providing ready access to legible minutes. For the same reason, typed minutes, though not required, are preferable.” by Brenda Smith
Thursday, September 22, 2005
The ballot for the town's special election, scheduled for November 8, 2005, will list two residents as candidates for the open Select Board seats. John D'Alesandro, 46, of Griffin Hill Road, is running for the remaining 2 1/2 year term left open when Rita Pierce resigned. Chad Wagenknecht, 34, of Harrington Road, is hoping to fill the remaining 1 1/2 year term vacated by Peter Kelleher's resignation. Both candidates submitted nomination papers to the Registrar before the deadline to do so, (5PM, Tuesday, September 20th), and both had secured more than the required number of signatures of registered voters of the town. Nomination papers had been requested by two other residents, but were not turned in for certification.
Rumors persist that the campaign may include some individuals who will run on a 'sticker' or 'write-in' vote. Anyone interested in doing so would be helped greatly by notifying the Town Clerk of their intentions. There are rules that apply to all campaigners. Knowing what these rules are could save a lot of time and help both you and the voters at the polls. If you are considering a write-in or sticker run for one of the two selectboard seats, please contact the Town Clerk at 743-3759. Office hours are 1 to 5, Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also leave a message anytime.
Appointees who have not been sworn in for the 2005-2006 fiscal year are required to do so. New members of the Finance Committee and a few other positions on town boards need their members qualified to serve and this can only be done by taking an oath of office. Please contact the Town Clerk as soon as possible to be sworn in. from the Town Clerk
Rumors persist that the campaign may include some individuals who will run on a 'sticker' or 'write-in' vote. Anyone interested in doing so would be helped greatly by notifying the Town Clerk of their intentions. There are rules that apply to all campaigners. Knowing what these rules are could save a lot of time and help both you and the voters at the polls. If you are considering a write-in or sticker run for one of the two selectboard seats, please contact the Town Clerk at 743-3759. Office hours are 1 to 5, Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also leave a message anytime.
Appointees who have not been sworn in for the 2005-2006 fiscal year are required to do so. New members of the Finance Committee and a few other positions on town boards need their members qualified to serve and this can only be done by taking an oath of office. Please contact the Town Clerk as soon as possible to be sworn in. from the Town Clerk
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Sandy Totter resigned as chairperson from the Council on Aging. Althea Maynard has agreed to be the Acting Chair until someone comes forward to fill the position. The COA is actively looking for a volunteer to be chair. Contact Althea if you are interested. Althea reminds the community you do not have to be a senior citizen to be on the COA Board or chairperson. Althea was the chair for many years. She is also currently editor of the Savoy Senior Newsletter. Since the Newsletter has been sent out, Althea requests the following the included.
SAVOY STOMPERS REGISTERED FOR MEMORY WALK
The Berkshire Memory Walk will be held on Saturday, September 17th and will follow the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Registration is at the Farnam’s Road Causeway. There are 1-mile, 2-mile, and 3-mile walks marked. You can depart any time between 9:00am and 11:00am. If you would like to make a donation, you can make it there or at the Savoy Senior Center. The money raised from the Memory Walk stays in our community to support, educate and improve the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and their families.
COA BOARD ADDRESSES PUBLIC SAFETY
One night this past spring, an ambulance enroute to an injured Savoy senior made a wrong turn. Neither the road where they should have turned nor the one they took had a street sign. The Council on Aging Board at their August meeting vowed to work to correct this situation so that this NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN.
Reflective street signs are a non-negotiable public safety necessity. Our goal is to be able to have street signs in place within the year. We are trying to find out if there are public safety grant programs. Each sign and pole costs between $85 and $110. We have also begun to gather support for our effort.
We are five very determined women, but can certainly use all the help we can get. If you have any information or guidance to offer us, please get in touch. “The life you save could be your own”. from the Council on Aging
SAVOY STOMPERS REGISTERED FOR MEMORY WALK
The Berkshire Memory Walk will be held on Saturday, September 17th and will follow the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Registration is at the Farnam’s Road Causeway. There are 1-mile, 2-mile, and 3-mile walks marked. You can depart any time between 9:00am and 11:00am. If you would like to make a donation, you can make it there or at the Savoy Senior Center. The money raised from the Memory Walk stays in our community to support, educate and improve the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and their families.
COA BOARD ADDRESSES PUBLIC SAFETY
One night this past spring, an ambulance enroute to an injured Savoy senior made a wrong turn. Neither the road where they should have turned nor the one they took had a street sign. The Council on Aging Board at their August meeting vowed to work to correct this situation so that this NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN.
Reflective street signs are a non-negotiable public safety necessity. Our goal is to be able to have street signs in place within the year. We are trying to find out if there are public safety grant programs. Each sign and pole costs between $85 and $110. We have also begun to gather support for our effort.
We are five very determined women, but can certainly use all the help we can get. If you have any information or guidance to offer us, please get in touch. “The life you save could be your own”. from the Council on Aging
TOWN OF SAVOY, FIRST ANNUAL FALL CLEAN-UP
Sandy Totter presented the Select Board information for a clean up to be held on Saturday, October 1 and October 2 from 8am to 1pm at the Savoy Transfer Station, Chapel Road.
Although Sandy has resigned from her town position as representative for the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste District, she will donate these two Saturdays to see this task completed. She told the Select Board she would take care of every thing and they would not have to do anything but get the information out to the townspeople.
What is bulky waste? Bulky waste is a term used to describe large household items that can’t be disposed of like regular household trash. It includes such items as couches, chairs, mattresses, tables, appliances, carpet and the proverbial kitchen sink.
How much does it cost? Using contracts negotiated by the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste District, the costs are the lowest possible. The Town of Savoy and the District have coordinated this collection and staffed it with volunteers to give residents the opportunity to get rid of these difficult items.
Who can bring stuff? This collection is for Savoy residents only.
Questions? Call the Solid Waste District Office at 743-8208.
THE DISPOSAL PRICE GUIDE is online in our photo gallery at www.Savoynews.SmugMug.com.
Sandy Totter presented the Select Board information for a clean up to be held on Saturday, October 1 and October 2 from 8am to 1pm at the Savoy Transfer Station, Chapel Road.
Although Sandy has resigned from her town position as representative for the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste District, she will donate these two Saturdays to see this task completed. She told the Select Board she would take care of every thing and they would not have to do anything but get the information out to the townspeople.
What is bulky waste? Bulky waste is a term used to describe large household items that can’t be disposed of like regular household trash. It includes such items as couches, chairs, mattresses, tables, appliances, carpet and the proverbial kitchen sink.
How much does it cost? Using contracts negotiated by the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste District, the costs are the lowest possible. The Town of Savoy and the District have coordinated this collection and staffed it with volunteers to give residents the opportunity to get rid of these difficult items.
Who can bring stuff? This collection is for Savoy residents only.
Questions? Call the Solid Waste District Office at 743-8208.
THE DISPOSAL PRICE GUIDE is online in our photo gallery at www.Savoynews.SmugMug.com.
The Savoy Select Board has accepted a second resignation from a member of its board. Rita Pierce joined Peter Kelleher,(who resigned a week ago), in notifying the Town Clerk that she also will resign her post. She states health problems as her reason for leaving. Her resignation will become effective as of November 1, 2005. Mr. Kelleher left on August 31st.
Plans to include the second Select Board vacancy on the ballot at the Special Election scheduled for November 8th, have been cleared with the Secretary of State’s Office. Individuals considering running for either of these seats must be residents and registered voters of the town. Candidates must take out nomination papers if their names are to appear on the ballot. The papers are available now through Friday, September 16th. The Town Clerk’s office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5PM. You can also call the Town Office and request the forms and they will be left for you to pick up. At least twenty (20) signatures of registered voters of the town are required to get your name on the ballot. Nomination papers are due in the Registrar’s hands by Tuesday, September 20th for certification.
The remainder of the current term for each of these seats must be filled. Peter Kelleher’s term will end in May of 2007, and Rita Pierce would have completed her term in May of 2008. Candidates should consider the length of service to complete these terms before they can run for a three year term. Emile Mazur, the remaining Selectman in office, will complete his current term in May of 2006. At that time his seat will also be up for re-election. For more information call the Town Clerk (743-3759) or the Selectmen (743-4290). From the Town Clerk
So, you want to be a Selectman? A Short course in Town Government 101:
It is no secret to this community that the current select board has not been one of our best. Departures by other town officials due to the problems within the select board have contributed greatly for some time now to the difficulty in keeping the town running smoothly. It has not been an easy time for the voters, nor has it been a pleasant time for the individuals serving the town. As Town Clerk, I see most people on an individual basis as well as collectively at town meetings. I try to impart to those who ask about a particular town office the importance of knowing why they want to serve and what that responsibility is.
Not everyone is cut out to be a Selectman. It is a time-consuming, often stressful and constantly thankless job. The monetary compensation is a few pennies above zip and the satisfaction for a job well done is the lonely experience of the individual and is rarely expressed by the voters and other townsfolk who often find everything wrong with the way the town is run the fault of the Select Board. It can also be a rewarding experience and a great feeling of satisfaction of having served your community. When projects and plans turn out well and to the benefit of the community, it is the Selectmen who can usually take credit for what has been accomplished.
Who makes a good Selectman? Not everyone, that’s for sure. A person with a personal gripe against the Highway or Fire Department, the School Board or any individual is not a good candidate. A personal agenda is a waste of time and is the cause of many problems in town government. An individual who thinks the selectmen run the town is also on the wrong planet and if that is the reason for seeking the position, it will be a very difficult awakening once in office.
The ‘TOWN’ = the voters. The Town elects certain individuals to perform tasks we, as voters, do not have the time to do ourselves. In simple terms, the Tax Collector takes the money we pay for our property and keeps a record of it. The Treasurer invests that money for the good of the town and works with it to better serve the needs of the town. The Town Clerk records the history of the town and keeps the town records safe. The Assessors value our property. The Planning Board works to keep laws of the town current and able to cope with new ideas for the community. The Conservation Commission must deal with the laws of the state concerning environmental issues in the community. The Select Board oversees the business of the town. It is their job to prioritize the demands that come into the town office and present it to the voters at town meetings. When the voters decide what should be done by a vote, it is the Selectmen who must work with the state, the budget, the workers, other towns and other town boards, in order to accomplish what the voters want. Often, they find themselves literally between the proverbial “rock and a hard place”. It is not an easy job.
There are a few members of the community who have actively campaigned to have one or all of the current select board removed. This activity was well underway before any resignation was submitted by a select board member. If it contributed to one or more of the resignations, it is not for me to say. I will say this; if there are some who feel they can do the job, please step up and be counted. Put your actions where your mouth is, to be blunt. Prove that you can do a better job. For those of us who did not find this board effective, good for the town, whatever….remember they, at least, were willing to try to serve and should be given some credit for that. It is very easy to find fault with others, especially when we are not willing to do the job ourselves.
This community needs the help of its people. It especially needs the input from younger residents. The future of the town belongs to a younger population and the offices and officers serving should reflect that. Those who constantly criticize the way the town is run should step up and take a chance at doing the job. You may find it a very rewarding experience and the town could benefit from your involvement. a personal reflection by the Town Clerk
Plans to include the second Select Board vacancy on the ballot at the Special Election scheduled for November 8th, have been cleared with the Secretary of State’s Office. Individuals considering running for either of these seats must be residents and registered voters of the town. Candidates must take out nomination papers if their names are to appear on the ballot. The papers are available now through Friday, September 16th. The Town Clerk’s office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5PM. You can also call the Town Office and request the forms and they will be left for you to pick up. At least twenty (20) signatures of registered voters of the town are required to get your name on the ballot. Nomination papers are due in the Registrar’s hands by Tuesday, September 20th for certification.
The remainder of the current term for each of these seats must be filled. Peter Kelleher’s term will end in May of 2007, and Rita Pierce would have completed her term in May of 2008. Candidates should consider the length of service to complete these terms before they can run for a three year term. Emile Mazur, the remaining Selectman in office, will complete his current term in May of 2006. At that time his seat will also be up for re-election. For more information call the Town Clerk (743-3759) or the Selectmen (743-4290). From the Town Clerk
So, you want to be a Selectman? A Short course in Town Government 101:
It is no secret to this community that the current select board has not been one of our best. Departures by other town officials due to the problems within the select board have contributed greatly for some time now to the difficulty in keeping the town running smoothly. It has not been an easy time for the voters, nor has it been a pleasant time for the individuals serving the town. As Town Clerk, I see most people on an individual basis as well as collectively at town meetings. I try to impart to those who ask about a particular town office the importance of knowing why they want to serve and what that responsibility is.
Not everyone is cut out to be a Selectman. It is a time-consuming, often stressful and constantly thankless job. The monetary compensation is a few pennies above zip and the satisfaction for a job well done is the lonely experience of the individual and is rarely expressed by the voters and other townsfolk who often find everything wrong with the way the town is run the fault of the Select Board. It can also be a rewarding experience and a great feeling of satisfaction of having served your community. When projects and plans turn out well and to the benefit of the community, it is the Selectmen who can usually take credit for what has been accomplished.
Who makes a good Selectman? Not everyone, that’s for sure. A person with a personal gripe against the Highway or Fire Department, the School Board or any individual is not a good candidate. A personal agenda is a waste of time and is the cause of many problems in town government. An individual who thinks the selectmen run the town is also on the wrong planet and if that is the reason for seeking the position, it will be a very difficult awakening once in office.
The ‘TOWN’ = the voters. The Town elects certain individuals to perform tasks we, as voters, do not have the time to do ourselves. In simple terms, the Tax Collector takes the money we pay for our property and keeps a record of it. The Treasurer invests that money for the good of the town and works with it to better serve the needs of the town. The Town Clerk records the history of the town and keeps the town records safe. The Assessors value our property. The Planning Board works to keep laws of the town current and able to cope with new ideas for the community. The Conservation Commission must deal with the laws of the state concerning environmental issues in the community. The Select Board oversees the business of the town. It is their job to prioritize the demands that come into the town office and present it to the voters at town meetings. When the voters decide what should be done by a vote, it is the Selectmen who must work with the state, the budget, the workers, other towns and other town boards, in order to accomplish what the voters want. Often, they find themselves literally between the proverbial “rock and a hard place”. It is not an easy job.
There are a few members of the community who have actively campaigned to have one or all of the current select board removed. This activity was well underway before any resignation was submitted by a select board member. If it contributed to one or more of the resignations, it is not for me to say. I will say this; if there are some who feel they can do the job, please step up and be counted. Put your actions where your mouth is, to be blunt. Prove that you can do a better job. For those of us who did not find this board effective, good for the town, whatever….remember they, at least, were willing to try to serve and should be given some credit for that. It is very easy to find fault with others, especially when we are not willing to do the job ourselves.
This community needs the help of its people. It especially needs the input from younger residents. The future of the town belongs to a younger population and the offices and officers serving should reflect that. Those who constantly criticize the way the town is run should step up and take a chance at doing the job. You may find it a very rewarding experience and the town could benefit from your involvement. a personal reflection by the Town Clerk
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