dd Littleton Common: December 2007

“If you never change your mind, why have one??"


Sunday, December 30, 2007

THE POLITICAL DIVIDE: IS IT STILL ALIVE?

Does the political divide between factions so to speak still exist? Some say no, some say yes and I suspect that many more don’t give much thought to that question. A look into the Wicked Local Edition of the Littleton Independent shows that there are still some deeply divided and contemptuous feelings related to town politics going on.

Recently, former Selectman Mike Knupp (in a letter to the Independent) praised our forward fence-mending progress, but acknowledged that “pot boiling” and “bitterness” still exists from what I (not Mike) will call the Old Guard. He also implies that egos or perhaps disrupted and incomplete agendas could be culprits. Perhaps it’s just a radical difference in thinking of how to solve issues and other expectations like what are elected officials supposed to do? And yes, some folks just don’t like some folks. All sorts of substantiating evidence can be found in blog responses to press coverage on many issues. Some of this is downright nasty stuff. Ah yes, the political divide is still alive!

I wonder to what end this imbedded “bitterness” (thanks, Mike, that the best way to describe it) accomplishes. So, let’s take my case. I could certainly harbor some hard feelings about some of the people I went head-to-head with in the past; however, I chose to get involved in change, positive change and an optimistic viewpoint about the future. I, too, could have easily entered the fray of relentless negativity, but again, to what end? Of course, I still find myself emotional about it all. But, it remains a personal struggle, not a public agenda. Hanging on and seething would only hinder me to serve in my new role. My father was a highly successful coach at Harvard University. Defeat was not a pleasant experience for him, yet he would never dwell in defeat. He learned lessons from defeat; lessons that turned defeats into victories. Like him, I want to be associated with moving forward for the common good. Of course, there will be subjects where we will be widely divided and controversy may break out. That’s the time for us to be steadfastly united in doing what is best for the townspeople and the integrity of our little piece of democracy.

The reinforcement of the town’s strength in character, fiscal improvements, and new found transparency are all victories. Successes are on the horizon; I hope we can take our recent gains in the preservation of open space via farming to a victory; more open land with minimal demand on services coupled with a fully integrated economic development effort will be a victory; people we have put in power and who don’t care to act regally or have self-serving agendas is a victory. My father would agree with Mr. Knupp. Let’s put egos, personal agendas, bitterness and hatred in the “lessons learned file” and move forward to score much-needed victories in 2008!

posted by Alex McCurdy at 9:25 AM 3 Comments Links to this post

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

IS GROWTH IN GOVERNMENT THE ANSWER?

In a small way, the age old political dividing line, more or less of government structure, is at issue here in Littleton. We often hear about the need for new government services with an equally compelling counter argument about less government being better government. When we look at governmental growth here in Littleton, we should be careful not to equate anything we do to the likes of the state or federal government. In Littleton, or at any local level for that matter, we are more responsive because we are more directly connected to the taxpayer. Proposition 2-½ helps ensure the connection. Your locally elected officials (who by virtue of living their lives here in town) mingle among and hear from the taxpayers every day and should know your concerns, too.

The Selectmen, (at least some of them) the Finance Committee and the Government Study Committee all agree we need to prioritize the position of Facilities Manager. A different twist to the job this time around would have that position overseeing all town buildings and therefore serving more than one master. We are up to task-sharing these days and we all are working together well. My other question goes back to the growing government issue. This, by nature, would be an executive position demanding a commensurate compensation package. An office, staff and related expenses would also be included. In this case, a vehicle would also be a consideration. This might then lead to more custodial or specialized staff, repair facilities and tools to carry out what we know we need: more preventive maintenance. Do we need this? The short answer is yes, of course we do. We must protect our investments in buildings.

The other side, of course, is related to the priority level of this position over some of the other deficiencies we have in town. Are there enough police officers, firefighters or teachers? Are we minimally staffed in other areas such as Park & Recreation, Highway, or Council on Aging? We have some tough choices and we need to stay well-grounded in making them.

At the December 17 Selectmen’s meeting we received a report on a level service budget. This budget fell short in the expectations of the School Committee and others, yet still revealed a 6% increase. Why? The Assistant Town Administrator confirmed what we all know: employee costs are driving the increases. After all, we do have an absolute responsibility to treat our employees equitably. We cannot enslave them and they should not be penalized for their dedication to public service in Littleton. So what are we to do? Cut other departments to fund the new facilities department? Seek an increase in taxes to fund it? Just do it in the hope that additional revenues will become available? Not good choices. Maybe we can find tangible ways for this position to pay for itself, maybe. Let’s not look at the proverbial pie–in-the-sky in doing so. It must be tangible and absolute or we will find ourselves in the position of laying people off yet again.

An organization that I once served on had a need to upgrade its administrative capabilities, yet its source of revenue, dues, was not going to increase. The position paid for its increased costs through various initiatives such as running seminars. It was done in one budget year and the impact on dues was minimal; mission accomplished. Can we craft a facilities manger position to pay for itself? Maybe, or more to the point, maybe we must. This subject bears scrutiny as we go forward.

I want to say that I am not speaking in favor or against the creation of this position. All I know that I am inclined to see a direct and tangible benefit to the townspeople before I sign on.

posted by Alex McCurdy at 12:06 PM 6 Comments Links to this post

Monday, December 10, 2007

UPPING THE ANTE IN LITTLETON

It is true that Littleton has been upgrading the administrative resume of its town government. From the Schools to the Town Offices to the autonomous Light and Water Department, our executives are demanding more of our tax dollars toward their salary and benefits. But do we really know how much more we are paying out and where we stack up? Where are we in comparison to the goal set by the Selectmen and Personnel Board of matching the median market value? How much measurable value are we receiving in return for re-organizing and financially attracting what Chairman Ken Eldridge dubs as the "best and brightest" to Littleton? We have been expanding our town government in size and cost with mostly intangibles to show to date. We’re hearing of increased hours in the Townhouse to allow for expedited permitting designed to energize economic development. However, at the same time, the single most important measure of our tax revenue, "new growth", is projected to be off this coming fiscal year. That means another tough budget year or additional taxes. Even with that sobering prospect, the Finance Committee and some selectmen seek to add another executive position to oversee facilities maintenance. Will this save money? How much will that produce in a real numbers formula shown on a balance sheet? To many, the results of our remake may seem intangible and hard to measure. I hope we can address this.

All the governmental upgrades, if you will, have been compiled from a broad range of input from committees and boards. Different and diverse perspectives have come to the same conclusion: "We need to make changes in order to go forward.” Behind the accolades that these efforts have spawned, real improvements have resulted and a positive outlook for the future has emerged. However, I will go back to the question originally proposed to me: Do we know all we need to know and how much, in the aggregate, are we paying for our re-born Littleton? Can we afford the investments and are the investments working?

As New Englanders, I think we like to see exactly what we are getting for our dollar. We then apply a cost benefit analysis of some type to determine if we are spending wisely. From time to time, we "audit" to assess where we are. This leads to yet another question: Before we sign on for the next budget, is it time for such an audit? If it is, then let’s look at what the investments have done for our core services and values. What will be considered measurable/tangible results that we can expect a year from now? Is education becoming more “robust" as Chairman Charlie Ellis has said his committee wants? What about public safety; have we even returned to where we were before the financial hard times of the past? Have the seniors, veterans, library and conservation efforts been able to get more help? What about re-working our town roads? We all know the answer to that one. Every good business plan has benchmarks and re-assessment points. It may well be that time now. On Dec. 2, 2007 I proposed to my fellow Board members that we undertake such a study and issue a report in time for the May Town Meeting. In doing so, I suggested we re-convene the Government Study Committee for this special assignment. This committee took a very hard look at how we are governing ourselves and made comprehensive recommendations. They would be perfectly suited for this project. So far, the members I have talked to see a lot of value in such a study and are eager to serve again. The Board as a whole has agreed to look at things, but has not yet made a determination if a study/report is necessary.

I want to be clear…this posting does not harbor any ill intent toward our new course or anyone who is part of that; this isn't an opinion. What I do know is that people, practical-minded people, have been asking me about all of this and perhaps we should heed their questions and respond. We can only gain insight from that and possibly make midstream adjustments for even greater improvements and efficiencies. In fact, I feel that we have done many great things during our transitional period and there is more to come. I would be happy to report to the citizens.

posted by Alex McCurdy at 2:05 PM 1 Comments Links to this post

Monday, December 3, 2007

HERE COMES THE 6:15 INTO LITTLETON...SHOULD WE TAKE IT???

I am reminded several times each day of how important the commuter rail system is to our Town. Each train rumbles by within earshot of my home every day of every week. Littleton, the community, has not been successful at embracing an improved station facility in our Town. Should we try again? Among the complaints I hear from train goers is that Littleton has poor parking arrangements and a schedule into/out of Littleton which it is too limited. Many people who I know drive from Littleton to Acton very early so they can get a parking spot. Why can’t we address this?

Littleton is the perfect location for commuters if we can effectively deal with the traffic issues that will be increased by ridership. The MBTA is going to expand service by upgrading the rail line; perhaps two tracks like what used to be here many years ago…more trains, more efficiency and a shorter commute time. Littleton should get on Board. There are many reasons I look favorably upon an expanded commuter facility. It will help reduce vehicle traffic on the highways by providing more options for commuters. Many people from Littleton already use the rail, more might be able to utilize it. A facility in our own Town will enhance our economic development quest. This could perhaps spawn an environment conducive for the pop-up of small support businesses run by local people. It will also promote a better competitive environment as we seek to get the Foster and Taylor Street properties to full occupancy and encourage building owners to invest in upgrading their facilities. I also believe that a “friendly” approach to the commuter rail issue could improve our competitive position for federal and state grants. In favoring a commuter rail station, there are issues that we must address such as traffic through our secondary roads and the effect on public safety. What is the real value to the Town in growth and revenue? How will it affect the community of Littleton and its environment?

On November 19th, I proposed to my fellow Board members that we look at the potential of investing in such a facility as the “owner/operator.” My thought was to have the Town have full control of it and the revenue which will be generated therein. I feel the opportunity is now as the MBTA begins to upgrade the line and then other towns can see the economic opportunity for themselves. If this fits with our economic development strategy, then we should not let this opportunity go elsewhere. The Board agreed to look at the issue and we are underway. This is an opportunity to test our new found consensus problem-solving strategy. Let's get started and in doing so, I ask: What do you think???

posted by Alex McCurdy at 12:23 PM 21 Comments Links to this post