To The Editor:
Town office vote is a no-brainer. We should be voting no on this bond vote. To be tempted by some free money from the state and make a decision that affects our town for the next many decades is a big mistake. To build a new building for town offices is a mistake, when we have the opportunity to restore and re-use an outstanding historic structure that already exists. We should be strengthening our historic district, not competing with it.
The motion for this bond vote was done as a quick reaction to grab for money that could also be used for other alternatives for new office space, whether it be the Methodist Church or any other building. The grant money is also available for long-term leased space. All it would take is an application for what the people in Waitsfield feel is the best solution for the town. Do we feel a new building is the correct solution? No, I don't think so, judging by the sentiment that was shown when the last vote was taken and it was overwhelmingly defeated. There have also been numerous suggestions for other alternatives.
What happened to the survey that was being prepared to poll the sentiment of the voters? It was abandoned when the motion to bond for a new building was made, along with adding the temptation of free money to the package. This is not the way that our town should be doing business. The voters should not be asked to make a hurried, gun-to-the-head decision. This vote is being pushed through without consensus. The state wants to help Waitsfield, the grant program is ongoing for the next three or four years, it is well funded and funds are available for whatever project the voters feel is the best long-term solution. I urge everyone to vote no to this bond vote, so we can rethink our long-term goals and apply for grant money reflecting the desire of the voters.
Pat Burley
Waitsfield
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