At the risk of too much reiteration, it should be noted that positions
like town select board member and school board member represent
voluntary positions that involve a significant amount time and hard
work. It would be detrimental to our Valley towns to restrict each
household to only one position within town government. Our Valley is an
extraordinary place in part due to the legion of volunteers who
enthusiastically and selflessly serve on a myriad of boards and
committees. It is this community involvement and generosity that makes
our Valley so vibrant.
It is also apparent after watching the replay of the January 31, 2011,
Waitsfield Select Board meeting on Channel 44 that many members of the
public are too quick to make accusations about "closed door politics"
and about task force members purposefully lying. Most people watching
this telecast would probably be predisposed to avoiding public service
due to the rude behavior directed toward the select board. No, our
public officials are not "professional politicians." Yes, they are
volunteers trying to do the best they can. These volunteers make a
significant sacrifice to the town, and instead of vilifying them, we
should commend them for their hard work.
The Waitsfield Select Board has demonstrated a willingness to listen and
to negotiate. The current situation with the water project will require
good communication and good intentions from all parties in order to be
successfully resolved. A positive recognition of what we have in common
will help to facilitate resolution much more than negative accusations
and rude behavior. You've heard the invitation to "Hug a Farmer." How
about "hug a Valley volunteer"? The result will be a whole lot of
huggin' going on and that could be a good thing.
Laura and Duncan Brines
Waitsfield
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