This 4th of July weekend was another in a series of bad judgment decisions by our Standish town manager.
As we all drove into the line for our turn to dispose of our trash in the compactor, the vehicle lines were backed up, many with the driver in the office obtaining their permit sticker, while their vehicle blocked the line.
Upon inquiring about the gridlock, I was told the town manager had given orders not to allow us to dump our trash until we obtained our new sticker. I asked if I could dump my trash, then park my truck out of the way to allow the line to progress, and come into the office to obtain my permit. I was told “no,” that we might drive away without paying for the permit.
This implied, by way of subdued accusation, that the people of Standish could not be trusted. Yes, I am sure some people have done this, but a minor handful. To imply by this rule that the people of Standish are all dishonest, is a grave insult.
Recalling the rejection by vote of the people on the boat ramp issue, the Manager and council did not accept the people’s “no” vote and had a second vote which was also rejected. What part of “no” don’t they understand?
And, how can we not forget the “pay per bag curbside trash pick up” proposal put forth. It was all simple arithmetic to figure out. It would cost the people much more money for the trash than the excellent operation we now have in place.
And let’s not forget the groups of people who volunteered thousands of hours of work to put forth proposals on plans on the future of our town, only to have these shot down by people from away, GPCOG and the MDOT.
The job of the Town Manager is to run our town affairs, but also more important, is to lead our community – to present sound proposals that he has researched, evaluated and deemed good suggestions for our community.
He gets it all together and presents it to the council who, in turn, present it to the people.
Just because he didn’t like the vote on the boat ramp, or the council didn’t like it, there never should have been a second vote. And this he should have taken the lead and told the council “no”.
The pay-per-bag proposal, simple arithmetic, would have given him the answer. The trash permit rule, what can I say?
On the planning of Standish’s infrastructure and future, to discount the work of the people of Standish and go with the proposals of people from away! Would you have someone from the “Hobo Jungle” come and arrange the furniture in your house and then leave?
And now I understand there has been a new Planning Committee in place for the town of Standish. What happened to all the previous proposed plans?
Once again, the Town Manager and council rejected all the previous proposed plans put together by the people of Standish.
I have come to the conclusion that the people of Standish don’t run their own town. And don’t care.
Peter Hassapelis
Standish
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