I am continually reading about folks thinking particular items are “fast tracked,” which hints at something illegal or underhanded. The selectboard publishes their agenda and minutes openly and the natural gas issue was discussed several times over the last few years. An agreement was entered into before I even got off the board.
This is only one example. The Mount Abe vote was another, as well as the fire station. Both held numerous meetings and published articles in various venues. My understanding is many of these meetings were poorly attended as well.
Whether you are for or against any upcoming issues, it is your responsibility to stay informed so as to be part of the process. Slamming the folks who spend hours on the committees for any of these and other issues through the years is not productive or, more importantly, not respectful.
With so many ways to stay informed these days, I urge folks to make the extra effort and not throw up road blocks at the last minute. Thanks for considering this.
Sharon Compagna
ex-selectboard member
Bristol