John's editorial 0624

Get rid of town meetings

The Annual Town Meeting is a big deal. Or maybe we should rephrase that. It used to be a big deal, because with low voter turnout at both Standish and Windham town meetings in recent years, it’s evident that no one really cares about this antiquated democratic procedure anymore.

Which is sad, because Rockwellian America was founded on this one-man, one-vote Saturday morning debate fest that has since morphed into a quickie, less-than-an-hour-long formality dominated, let’s face it, by town employees who vote in their own budgets. While there’s nothing technically wrong with resident town employees approving their town’s budget, the spirit of town meeting is affected when half of those present are on the town’s payroll, a point William Orr of Standish has bravely made in recent Standish town meetings. Orr has the courage to stand up and dissent, even when emergency personnel, who may have to save him someday, are sitting nearby.

Clearly, a change is needed because Annual Town Meeting just ain’t what it used to be, folks. Because 35 people, as was the most recent tally in Standish, does not an Annual Town Meeting make.

Perhaps we should go to a different system, such as putting the budget on the ballot during June elections, just in time for the new fiscal year. That’s what SAD 6 does. Each SAD 6 community votes on the school budget as a referendum question on the June ballot. There’s no reason Standish and Windham can’t do the same. With an average of 10 percent of eligible voters showing up at a typical June election, that’s still about 20 times the normal turnout at town meeting. That’s anemic, but it is much better representation than what exists now.

And for those afraid of losing the opportunity to challenge line items, don’t worry, school boards and town councils spend months in public workshops debating each aspect of the budget. You have plenty of chance there to impact decision making.

As a history buff and proponent of open debate, saying goodbye to the Annual Town Meeting would be tough, but that’s only because people can be afraid of change. But, after several years of going to these sparsely attended meetings, it’s clear that fear of change is holding our towns back. This isn’t to condone the lazy out there who don’t care enough to get out of bed for a chance to vote, but when a viable alternative exists, in the form of a secret ballot during a town election, it’s clear we have to make a break with antiquated ways and evolve our budget debating methods.

Thank you, Mr. Cole

Mr. Cole spent the last 19 years writing columns for this paper, and previous Windham-based newspapers. Nineteen years. And he was proud never to have duplicated a column. Through sickness and in health, his love for the readers was evident in every column that flowed from his pen. And as an editor who needs copy at deadline, Mr. Cole was always a week ahead with his columns. That’s one thing I’m thankful for.

I didn’t know Mr. Cole very well, only when he came into the office or from short talks on the phone. But from this limited exposure, I could tell he exuded a glow and contentedness that provided hope and made those around him feel good. In this self-centered world, that’s a breath of fresh air. And that right there is the other thing I’m thankful for.

As a reporter, I tend to ask too many questions when I talk to people, even in regular conversation. I tend to be nosy and ask things I shouldn’t. During an interview for an article late last year, I had a chance to talk at length with Mr. Cole. I asked the usual questions and had a good time learning of his exploits in the outdoors. But, I realize now that I failed to ask him the most foundational of questions: what motivated him and why he loved the outdoors. This man surely had nuggets of insight that would reveal the source of his enthusiasm, and because I didn’t ask, now I’ll never know.

So, that’s the lesson I’ve learned from Mr. Cole. Ask questions before it’s too late. Don’t be afraid to ask personal questions or questions about motivations. I would have liked to know what made him tick and what made him an irresistible personality. Was it something from his childhood? Was it his wife? The war? Maybe his humility would have made an answer impossible, but at least I would have tried.

So, all you grandchildren out there, ask your questions before it’s too late. They won’t live forever and if you have questions about their history or what motivated them, ask now. Because life is quick and our elders have wisdom to give. Don’t be too busy, or too polite, to ask.

Sign In: