To The Editor:
There are some who thought the change on the select board was due to the town's purchase of land by the covered bridge. These members had served for many years and have done some excellent work; some think it was more than that. Perhaps the voters were angry with what is going on with our town, our expenses, our selection process for a town office and this was the only way to be heard.
I sat on the last committee that was trying to find the will of the people via survey. Committee members would not allow any other choice other than the Farm Stand. Brian Shupe called my survey a "junk box survey," but it appears to be more accurate than what the task force has put on. I've given this to the select board and The Valley Reporter. I was told that we couldn't give another far less expensive option, because, of course, they would vote for something less expensive – well, aren't we supposed to give them another option?
There are some great ideas out there; too bad we don't listen. The new select board asked some very pertinent hard-hitting questions. They asked for executive session to discuss some matters and were rebuffed twice. Why?
Perhaps the townspeople are feeling a bit rebuffed? There is a real grassroots effort; perhaps we should ask them what they are thinking; we have all their names. Some are frustrated, because they think a select few will bring their version of a town hall up again and again until it passes, so there is no reason to vote. Is there a fix in? Perhaps the select board could bring about a wind of change? It's beginning to smell like Washington.
Neil Johnson
Waitsfield
P.S. On an aside, the original town hall will have a new septic, will be flood-proofed, the only other thing it needs is a bigger safe and some renovations, maybe $150,000? But why would we want to save $1,150,000? There are real options; some people don't want you to see them. N.J.
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