|In my opinion, Penny Hilton|
New Gloucester friends,
I just want to say I think we had the best town meeting last night that we have had in a long while. Granted, there were some typos, snafus, and confusingly worded things in the warrant; and granted that our moderator needed a little help now and then (which he got, from the voters as well as Sharlene, who quietly kept him on track). And it certainly wasn’t the biggest town meeting we have had – nor the smallest.
What was great was how friendly it was! We didn’t all agree: most articles passed, and some failed. But good humor, good will, and patience abounded. Discussions were not just civil, they were respectful, helpful, interesting, and – comfortable! The Municipal Officers and Town Manager acknowledging long-time Transfer Station employees Jeff Pratt and Keith Chase and erstwhile heavy-duty volunteer and quiet leader Beverly Cadigan was a perfect way to start.Then article discussions included stories, history lessons, and humorous asides along with the questions and explanations. And it’s that kind of tenor that makes Town Meeting a community ritual that helps to knit us all together.
AND there were new people in attendance and at the podium!
I hope we can make this kind of town meeting a habit.
And I know everyone will be relieved to remember that the Town Charter which comes into effect on July 1 has included as permanently handled most of the boiler-plate permissions required every year, like accepting grants or gifts – so that will cut about a dozen articles off the end off the warrant, and at least a half-hour off the next Town Meeting.
Penny Hilton
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