To The Editor:
The October 22 bond vote sent a clear signal in favor of a new town office building on the Farm Stand site. The challenge now is to make the new building as good as it can be. The key to success will be combining a good architect with a good client. The select board understands that, as illustrated by their prompt efforts to form a Town Office Building Committee. The new building will require dedicated attention over a substantial period of time and the select board has enough important issues on its own plate.
A suggestion has been made to advertise for committee members. That is an excellent idea, since it would alert everyone about this opportunity to help. There are many capable people in The Valley and this is a way to identify them and assemble a balanced committee. I would strongly recommend asking candidates to submit written summaries of their background and real experience in project planning, design, construction, office and building management and community work. An expression of enthusiasm is always welcome, but it is not a reliable basis for putting together a hard-working and productive committee. This is our final "shot" and it has to be done right.
It was an honor for the board to suggest that I might be a member of the building committee. I appreciated that. Regretfully, I have too many personal responsibilities and too little time. Taking on an additional commitment is just not realistic. But I will try to follow the committee's progress and will speak up if I can add anything of value.
Bob Burley
Waitsfield
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