Thursday, May 2, 2013
A recent column in the Boston Herald has less than positive things to say about the New England town meeting form of government, but do you agree for Weston?
As Weston gears up for another Annual Town Meeting, one writer at the Boston Herald is taking issue with the colonial form of government. Calling Town Meeting an "inefficient relic of our Puritan past" that "has a discriminatory impact on working voters and voters with young children," Jennifer C. Braceras advocates for its end throughout New England. Braceras' strong language continues as she describes town meeting as an "anti-democratic" institution that leaves major town decisions to the "tyranny of the minority," which, she says, is usually comprised of the "single, childless, or elderly, who have time to spend long hours debating items that could be easily resolved in moments." Read over Braceras' full column and then tell us what you…
Thursday, April 25, 2013
As you've driven Weston's roads, have you noticed any that are a bit worse for the wear from this winter?
Now that spring has sprung -- the flowering trees are my favorite marker of the season -- it's time to reflect on the winter past. And the potholes it left behind. It seems like Weston's roads are in pretty good shape, but Patch can't travel every road in town. So we're looking to you. We want to know how Weston's roads are looking this spring. Are there potholes we need to know about or a particular section of road that needs some attention? Let us know what you've noticed in the comments below.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
We've heard a lot of bad news this week. That means your words of encouragement and hope mean all that much more.
As we've all been glued to various media outlets this week, watching the horror of the Boston Marathon bombings unfold, we've been covered with one appalling, heartbreaking story after another. In the midst of all the bad news, good news and kind words of hope and encouragement shine all that much more brightly. We've heard of heroes who risked their own lives to come to the aid of those injured in the blasts. We've learned of communities rallying around their hurt or even the families of those who were killed to show support and love. We've seen runners, such as Wayland's Alexis Avila, talk about the compassion and generosity of strangers who came to the aid of confused runners. Even as we all attempt to come to terms with this tragedy, …
Thursday, April 11, 2013
It's just days away, but are you spending April vacation in Weston or do you have larger travel plans in mind?
Spring showed up in Weston just in time to get folks excited about the prospect of some April vacation travel. With students out of classes, there will be an entire week of filling some time and (potentially) making some family memories. But do those memories involve a family spring cleaning staycation adventure, or something a bit more relaxing and exotic? For this weekly question we want to know: What are Your Plans for April Vacation, Weston? Whether your traveling or staying nearby, we hope you'll consider sharing your April vacation photos with us in the Community Gallery.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
As Annual Town Meeting approaches, there are plenty of questions about Weston's future and its needs.
Meetings leading up to Weston's 2013 Annual Town Meeting will cover a variety of topics ranging from the Fiscal 2014 budget to construction projects to Community Preservation Act funds. In all of these discussions, the foundation is being laid for what Weston wants, needs and will enjoy in the next year and, in some cases, for many years to come. We wanted to know what you think, regardless of what will appear in the Warrant. Think beyond a type of businesses to the broader topic of what the Town of Weston truly needs in the years ahead. Is it a shopping mall, more sidewalks, a larger police force, another high school (we aren't making suggestions, only showing how broadly we're asking you to think). What is Weston's greatest need as a …
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Earth Day is coming in April, so we're curious whether you think Weston is a green place to live.
Weston prides itself on its natural landscapes, open space and carefully respected trees and wildlife. It's the kind of place where "going green" seems a given. But is it? As you interact with your neighbors, utilize and observe town services and otherwise go about your daily life in Weston, is your impression that the community is environmentally friendly? Is Weston a green community or do we have a ways to go in that area? Let us know what you think in the comments. Make suggestions for ways that Weston could be more green or share ways that your family is investing in green living.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
There's been much talk about this topic lately, so we're doing an informal poll.
The 2012 Deer Management Program was, according to the Conservation Commission, a success. Others in town have voiced their adamant disagreement with that assessment. The foundation of the program is built upon the idea that Weston has a deep overpopulation problem, as does much of the region. Early Internet polls by the Conservation Commission indicated that some 70 percent of people polled approved of the town doing something to control population growth among Weston's deer. Now we're asking the question again. This isn't scientific, it's anecdotal. We want to know what you've noticed regarding Weston's deer population. Do you personally believe there are too many deer in Weston, based on what you've seen or experienced.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
We've had some changes to Weston's town center lately, but we want to know what you think is still missing (if anything).
We keep having brushes with spring, when warmer days drive us to leave our coats at home (or at least in the car) and not despise the far away parking spot quite so much. With warmer days, comes a greater desire to spend time walking Weston's town center, browsing the stores and shops that are there and dreaming of ... ... well, of what? Weston's town center has seen a lot of change in the past year or two -- Tess & Carlos, Trove, J.A.R. and others -- but that doesn't mean you aren't still hoping to see something else move into town. If you could move any business or type of business to Weston, what would it be? Don't feel constrained by bylaws or zoning or even possibility. Dream big. What business does Weston need?
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Let's call this week's question unofficial market research
It's no secret that social media is playing a significant role these days in the way that people get their news. Even journalists check Twitter and Facebook for news updates and headlines. And Weston Patch also takes advantage of Twitter and Facebook to communicate news to our readers in a way that reaches beyond our homepage and email newsletters. This Weekly Question is partly selfish on our part, but it's also designed to help us get you the news in the way you want it. We want to know: Does Weston look to Twitter or Facebook for news updates? This is a simple question to answer, so we hope to have numerous responses. It's OK if you like both options (or neither), but we hope you'll take a moment to tell us so in the comments.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
We've had plenty of snow in the past few days (blizzard, anyone?) ... where do you like to enjoy the snow?
With 2 feet of snow in Weston in the past week, there's plenty of snowy landscape to explore. Certainly, plenty of people enjoy at stroll (or sled) around the Weston Town Green, and window shopping through town center is another lovely option. But we're sure you have other ideas as well. For this week's question, we're asking you to share your favorite snowy spot in Weston: Where do you like to walk in the snow in Weston? (You never know, perhaps this is a romantic Valentine's Day option for you and yours).
Rick McCready
3:12 pm on Thursday, May 2, 2013
I agree 100% with Jennifer Braceras. All you need to do is look at the number of registered voters in the Town and then look at the attendance and voting records at Town meeting and it is clear that this form of government is an anachronism that sounds good in theory, but is disenfranchising in practice. For residents who have busy schedules, who travel for work, who have small children, it is … more ›