Local democracy
It's said so often that it's something of a truism — New England town meeting is the purest form of democracy on the planet. And sometimes, "town meeting" isn't limited to what happens in the formal sessions that fall under that name.
Recent events in Westminster and Winchendon offer almost perfect case studies in how democracy is supposed to work.
In Westminster, it was a proposed ban on the sale of tobacco products in town that raised the ire of residents. Even some who abhor smoking saw in the Board of Health's consideration of such a ban a serious case of overreach.
In that case, officials backed down, voting 2-1 to drop the idea. Several days later, efforts to recall two of the three board members — efforts born and nurtured in coffee shops and convenience stores — were abandoned. But residents made clear that the Board of Health ought not try that again.
In Winchendon, the issue is a bit more complex, involving a steep deficit, a lack of communication, and disagreement over whether Town Manager James M. Kreidler Jr. should step down.
Recent events in Westminster and Winchendon offer almost perfect case studies in how democracy is supposed to work.
In Westminster, it was a proposed ban on the sale of tobacco products in town that raised the ire of residents. Even some who abhor smoking saw in the Board of Health's consideration of such a ban a serious case of overreach.
In that case, officials backed down, voting 2-1 to drop the idea. Several days later, efforts to recall two of the three board members — efforts born and nurtured in coffee shops and convenience stores — were abandoned. But residents made clear that the Board of Health ought not try that again.
In Winchendon, the issue is a bit more complex, involving a steep deficit, a lack of communication, and disagreement over whether Town Manager James M. Kreidler Jr. should step down.
Last month, selectmen voted 3-2 to ask him to resign, but rules require four votes. Mr. Kreidler stayed on.
But on Monday night, town meeting voters rendered a higher verdict, voting 290-135 to direct selectmen to either fire Mr. Kreidler or seek his resignation.
The meeting's dynamics were particularly unusual, with officials warning that, because of the potential for legal action by Mr. Kreidler, there could be no discussion of the matter, just an up-or-down vote. Selectman Keith R. Barrows cited a legal opinion that the town meeting could not have any binding say over a personnel matter, and that any discussion by voters could be considered "defamation, libel, slander and invasions of privacy."
Frankly, we'd love to see that theory tested. Last time we checked, the performance of public officials was fair game, particularly for the voters and taxpayers who pay their salaries.
But never mind the legal points. The fact is that Winchendon voters have spoken clearly. They want Mr. Kreidler gone. We suggest selectmen and the town manager work out the details as soon as practically possible, or prepare themselves for another dose of democracy, one that might sweep them all out of office.
The fact is Winchendon voters have spoken clearly. Clearly understood and as the wide margin shows most have the same idea of what they want for their town. What they want and what they will get are yet to be seen. Will their select board follow the voters wish or will we see Winchendon follow in the foot steps of Templeton's recalls. First the board of health and later a ILL followed Selectman recall. As time played out in Templeton history people found out they were lied to by the recall pushers and used to push their agendas. I think in Winchendon case it's clear what they want and the agenda is clear to get Winchendon under beter management. Just when the world looked at Templeton like we were in the most trouble as could be in for a town. Templeton is past that point and Winchendon now has to learn what to do to heal . If the peoples vote goes unheard the town of Winchendon my be in far greater trouble.
ReplyDeleteYou will have to work hard to beat letting the people of Winchendon vote for keeping their town manager or getting rid of him, but then in another breath letting them know their vote did not count. Democracy, what democracy !! Oh yes, its just like letting those four no votes become a yes, in Templeton. Give me a break !! Bev.
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