Selectmen want to hear from voters

A Speak Out post today suggests that the Board of Selectmen do not want to hear the views of residents because at our meeting last night we decided to speak in opposition to articles 5 and 6.  We explicitly said last night that we would weigh the discussion on these articles as a factor in our work to determine what to do with the Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library.  We will speak in opposition to these articles because we do not believe that prematurely foreclosing other options, as each of these articles would have us do, is in the best interests of the town.  

Last night we also convened the JST/OL Working Group, which is explicitly charged with gathering resident views and communications.  I encourage everyone who is interested to attend those meetings and get involved.

Rather than the Selectmen blocking our ears to the voices of residents, we are stepping up our level of engagement with residents.  We are not trying to stifle debate.  In fact I believe speaking in opposition IS part of the debate.