This
is the e-mail
thread exchange while the motions for the STM meeting were under review by
our town counsel, attorney Paul DeRensis. I am very impressed with our town
counsel; he really cares about good town governance. His expertise has
prevented the town from exacerbating more than few problems. Last night’s STM
meeting was Attorney DeRensis’ 1,156th town meeting.
Templeton
government is a work in progress. Our new town counsel is part of a team
helping Templeton to recover from years of mismanagement. Our new management
team includes: Fred Aponte, accountant; Dan Keeney, treasurer; Jeff Ritter,
coordinator. Working together with established department heads, the town is
making progress to address the fiscal mess left behind. Hopefully, last night’s
STM will clean up the remainders of that mess and the town can set the tax
rate.
With
new people in management come new ideas. One of those ideas:
“On Mar 5, 2013, at 8:44 AM, PDeRensis@aol.com wrote: Jeff:
Yes
its "legal". In a democracy, the citizens of the town have a right to
decide issues.
In order for the citizens to be able to make decisions, the
questions for them to decide have to be presented to them in a legal form.
Having citizens vote illegal or useless items defeats democracy. In helping
format ballot questions, or town meeting articles or town meeting motions,
those in office are only helping make the democratic process work; such help
does not mean "endorsement" of the ballot question, article or
motion. While governmental funds cannot be spent to advance an election issue,
money must be spent on the mechanics of elections to provide for the
opportunity for ballots to be cast.
Therefore,
most governments authorize and request their legal officers to help pose the
questions for decisions. However, to be clear, some governments do not, and if
Templeton is one of those that does not, that tradition should be respected
unless or until the BOS, the town coordinator or the Moderator starts a new
tradition. “
To be
clear, I understand Chris Stewart’s concern regarding setting a precedent. If a
precedent is to be set, it should be discussed and debated at an open BOS
meeting. Change is difficult, but sometimes very necessary. The wording of the
motions is not the same as the wording of the articles posted in the warrant;
that is a change for the Town of Templeton. Many towns use this procedure for
wording the motions. More changes will be made. I’ll try to keep you posted.
My
opinions…supported by FACTS ! ! !
Julie
Farrell
Bad news at Templeton Times: Bankers Get Death Penalty.
ReplyDeleteScary stuff in your water. Glad I have a well!
ReplyDeleteWhat does the commissioner say about these violations?
http://oaspub.epa.gov/enviro/sdw_report_v2.first_table?pws_id=MA2294000&state=MA&source=&population=7235&sys_num=0
What the heck is p-Xylene? Is there a link to this information on the new TMLWP website?
ReplyDeleteAlso known as 1,4 dimethybenzene or xylol it is believed this is a hazardous chemical that is caused kidney and liver problems. Wiki should have plenty on this.
ReplyDelete