from the schedule of the annual Massachusetts Municipal Association;
4. Inspire Engagement With a Citizens Academy
Room 205, 2nd floor, Hynes Convention Center
Presented by the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association
Citizen academies have become more popular as local officials look for ways to get citizens more involved, whether through volunteer boards and commissions or otherwise, and residents seek to learn more about the day-to-day operations of municipal government. These educational sessions give citizens an overview of all aspects of city or town government, whether in a one-day workshop or a series of sessions. Learn how a successful academy can serve as an entry point for board and committee volunteers, promote two-way dialogue between staff and residents, and deepen public knowledge and understanding of how local government operates.
PANELISTS
Peter Lombardi is the town administrator in Wenham.
Carl Valente is the town manager in Lexington.
MODERATOR
Tom Hutcheson is the town administrator in Conway
How about we inspire them with an attentive, always present Board of Selectmen, as in five, the number elected by the people, to be for the people. How about these same five selectmen allow people to speak, question and discuss when the people who elect them have questions or concerns about something. Something such as an already voted article at Town Meeting, but later hear some things that they wish to have clarified. How about these selectmen sit on the stage and let that happen without going all out to try and stop debate.
Perhaps they will acquire some new ways to put a spin on things from this forum.
The feeling I have is that the new people that have moved into town do not have a sense of community and that is a problem. They have no connection with anything but the schools, can not really relate to the people who have had generations of families that have lived in their town. How do we fix this is the question ? Unless something affects them how do you get them to care enough to get involved. I think the increases in the tax rate will do it eventually, but it is sad that it comes to that. Being on a board is very difficult. I remember the hell Glady's went through. Some people hated her, some loved her ! I really think the job of selectmen killed her. Doing the right thing, even when you have no support from your other members, is important. Being fair and making good decisions are the things people ask of many people in office. Why is that so hard to do ? My opinion, Bev.
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