I readily admit that my wife and I have not lived here as long as many others. In the years we have been here, I applied (unsuccessfully) for an opening on the Historic Commission. Following my many appearances there seeking approvals on our own home – including a major presentation before the Commission on the scope of its discretion over window trim color on non-contributing structures (for which I believe I could have written a thesis) – I believe I was well-qualified for that position.
I was never even interviewed, I presume because I just had not lived here long enough.
But election as a Town Commissioner should not be a reward for longevity, any more than it should be a prize for having previously served on the Historic Commission or any other volunteer position. Nor should re-election to the Town Commission be based on anything more than performance during the candidate’s first three-year term.
Positions in our Town government – whether volunteer commissions or Town Commissioner — should be open to all of our citizens based upon their demonstrated skills and qualifications, with no special treatment based on personal connections, no matter how long-standing.
We are fortunate to live in a town filled with smart and experienced people, many of whom have moved here in the last five or ten years. It is in all our interests to make the most of their talents.
