I started school at a time when we recited the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the school day, Civics was a mandatory class, the Declaration of Independence was held in high esteem, and the Preamble to the Constitution and the Gettysburg Address were to be committed to memory. The ideals expressed, embodied the foundation for a just society, of, by and for the people.
As a youngster, it was easy to embrace such noble ideals, being there was not yet any cost associated with them. As I grew older, I became aware that things were not necessarily fair and just for everyone, Wampanoags included. There were costs to be paid and sacrifices to be made to preserve and make available to all citizens, that which we hold in high esteem.
Perhaps this is why something I head from a radio commentator on my way home from work one day seemed so relevant. The essence of what he said was that "If we don't hold some ideals, or rules, to be above our own personal and sometimes selfish interests, only those in power will make the rules." -- Above our own, often selfish, interests; that is the cost --. So it is, in this vein I wish submit a question to all those who would want to be a selectman in our town:
Question to BOS Candidates
If, as a selectman you are involved in evaluating or promoting an issue which is going to be put before the voters -- do you believe that you would have an ethical responsibility to make a good faith effort to insure that both sides are presented to the electorate in time for a full, honest and proper evaluation before the vote ?
A simple yes or no will tell the tale --
P.S.
After work, I am often the caretaker for my wife who is ill, and therefore, it is hard to guarantee that I will be able to attend any particular 'candidate's night'. So, I would appreciate it if someone would copy and present the above question at the appropriate occassion.
With thanks -
Barry from Middleboro
7 comments:
Barry,
A simple yes or no from me is impossible!
And it goes beyond merely presenting information to voters.
The failure of this BOS to allow dissent to be aired was part of my personal commitment to the Recall.
Regardless of what revisionist history others may create, the issues pre-dated the casino.
When you fail to allow ALL sides of an issue to be publicly discussed, debated and considered, have you not lost your democracy?
How does gavelling disagreement to silence constitute our principles?
That the casino issue finally focused attention on the conduct of this BOS was overdue, but their records deserve closer scrutiny. While some may condemn their current conduct, it is not unlike their historical conduct.
I have spoken out and filed comments and complaints when others were too intimidated to do so(even when I didn't necessarily agree). Is that intimidation acceptable? That you can shout louder, gavel others to silence, or spew divisive rhetoric, does not constitute leadership.
We can only create a community through our shared opinions and ideas. It is only in respecting and considering all sides of an issue that we arrive at better solutions.
We have too many hurdles ahead and can only succeed by working together.
Please call me and I'll make arrangements to have the candidates go to your home or speak with you by phone. No voter seeking information will be ignored!
Jessie Powell
508 946-9761
Dear Barry:
My name is Michael O'Shaughnessy and I am a candidate in the September 29, 2007 recall election.
I do not feel that a simple “yes or no” answer is a proper response to your question. I will respond by answering “yes” and follow with a brief explanation.
In my opinion, an elected official has a duty and an obligation to act in the best interests of the Town of Middleborough. In order to act in the best interests of the Town, elected officials need to gather and disseminate enough information to allow them and the townspeople the opportunity to develop an educated and informed position on a particular issue or vote. This process can be broken down into three (3) components:
1) The gathering and dissemination of facts and information;
2) Discussion and debate; and
3) Evaluation of the present and future impact of a decision or vote to the Town of Middleborough.
The function of the gathering and dissemination of facts and information component of the overall process is to educate and inform the selectmen and the townspeople. Information must be made readily available to the townspeople so that they will be properly informed. This can be achieved by making public records more accessible and by disseminating the information at public meetings.
The public meeting/hearing process is very important. A hearing provides the forum where facts and information can be readily provided to the public. This forum affords the opportunity for the townspeople to ask questions and educate themselves. The selectmen are able to hear the questions and opinions of their constituents. Most importantly, a healthy debate should be allowed to take place on all sides of a particular issue in the public meeting.
The final and most important part of the process is to demonstrate to the townspeople how a particular vote will impact the Town in the present, and more importantly, in the future. I believe this is an important role and function as selectmen.
The process should not be rushed, although there may be certain situations where the process may need to be expedited. Therefore, in my opinion, if the process is followed, I believe the voters will have had the opportunity to make a full, honest and proper evaluation before they vote on an issue for themselves.
Thank you.
Michael O'Shaughnessy
I would like to see what our current selectmen Pat R. Marsha B and Steve S. would answer to that question. My guess is they would provide the polically correct one 'Yes', but I know differently.
Additionally, Adam B. should answer it as well. They have ALL hidden behind Marsha B and her gavel (Ask Amelia Bingham - I can still hear the hostility and disdain in Marsha B's voice "is there a question m'am" while the poor woman tried to speak).
Now they have to stand up and answer the hard questions - I for one can't wait.
To Anonymous -
When Wayne Perkins was Chairman, he simply ignored those at the podium.
Not as rude as a gavel, but just as effective.
They allow you a voice ONLY because of the threat of a Recall.
Vote them back in and it's 'Business as Usual, Voter Be Damned'!
Please forgive me as I am not an eloquent speaker and tend to get straight to the point. The answer is yes, I believe in making information as available as is possible. My experience has been that I may look at an issue and come up with one solution and someone else comes up with a different one. Then we can debate and discuss the issue and figure out which is the best solution. If residents are supplied one sided information then the solution may be for the wrong problem. Because of this it is in our best interest if we are provided as much information about an issue as possible. The only exception to this is issues that come up that require confidentiality.
I am looking for ideas on how I can impact Middleboro in a positive way. My phone number is 508 923-0197.
Robert (Bob) Dunphy
Candidate for Selectman
BARRY, I FEEL THAT A HOSTILE TAKE OVER OF TOWN GOV'T IS INEVITABLE. I HAVE LIVED IN FOUR DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES IN MY LIFETIME AND HAVE NEVER WITNESSED SUCH INORANCE ON BEHALF OF TOWN GOV'T.A RECALL IS NEEDED AND NECCESSARY.OUR CURRENT BOARD OF SELECTMEN HAVE NOT A CREATIVE OR ORIGINAL BONE IN THEIR BODIES. LOOK AT OUR TOWN THE CURRENT "BIG ISSUE" HAS MADE FOOLS OF THEM ALL.WAYNE PERKINS, THE LONGEST STANDING MEMBER OF THE GROUP,DID NOTHING TO "HEAR" THE PEOPLE ON THE CASINO ISSUE,THEN WHEN PEOPLE STOOD UP AND SAID SLOW DOWN,THE PRO'S AND ANTI'S WERE CREATED.THE BOS SPLIT THIS TOWN IN TWO.WAYNE HIMSELF SAID AT A MEETING:"COME ON FOLKS, WE NEVER BEEN A DIVIDED TOWN,LETS NOT BE ONE NOW." HE HELPED SPAWN THE DIVISION. THEY ARE AN INEPT BOARD. THEY ARE BRINGING THIS TOWN DOWN.I WILL VOTE FOR SOMEONE WHO IS HONEST,NO HORNBLOWERS.ANYONE WHO SAYS THEY ARE "NEUTRAL" ON AN ISSUE SCARES ME. I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT DOWNTOWN PORTMOUTH,NH WOULD BE A GREAT MODEL FOR OUR TOWN, A STRAIGHT SHOT OFF THE MAJOR ROUTES,LITTLE SHOPS RESTAURANTS.WILL ANYONE PULL THE TRIGGER? IT TAKES GUTS BUT GUTS MAKE A GREAT LEADER.DON'T HIDE FROM THE CASINO ISSUE,IT'S A BAD IDEA.LETS MAKE IT GO AWAY AND MOVE ON, OR RURAL MA. WILL BECOME EXTINCT.
To Anonymous --
I am the 'Reluctant Candidate' in the Recall Election running against Mr. Perkins.
Mr. Perkins is a nice person and had served the town well for many years. In the 3/5/07 BOS meeting, Mr. Perkins stated that towns in Connecticut with casinos don't pay taxes.
In 2003, Mr. Perkins opposed casinos.
You have good ideas & insight.
Will you bring them to the 'New Candidates' events?
The 1st is Weds. 9/5 at the VFW 6 PM
The 2nd is Sat. 9/8 at the Mid. Public Library Noon - 2 PM
And we have more scheduled.
We need ideas, suggestions, solutions. And we need to work together. Your participation is needed.
Jessie Powell
508 946-9761
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