At the time of this writing, the Statehouse and its particular hallmark of politicians is again making headlines as another former house speaker is indicted. Before I go any further, I want to make it clear that I don’t believe all our Representatives and Senators are cast from this mold; in fact, many are quite to the contrary.
Part of the problem here emanates from trust: 1) confidence in and reliance on good qualities, especially fairness, truth, honor or ability; 2) the position of somebody who is expected by others to behave responsibly or honorably. Does this sound like what we want and should expect from our officials??? It should. Sadly, we’ve almost become complacent with our expectations. We distrust instead and in many cases for good reason. Nowhere in public service are expectations lower than those of our politicians. I ask, is this the fault of the politicians, political system or citizens? My point is that it should be the responsibility of the citizen to demand trustworthy representation (deserving of trust, or able to be trusted). If we demand that our politicians act with the same trustworthiness as let’s say, nurses, soldiers or firefighters, where would we be? Certainly better off!
This is not easy because varying expectations for solutions and a dislike or fear of more taxes and the public imbedded sense of skepticism presents all politicians with a daunting challenge. We politicians have to be popular within the constituency or we are politicians no more. We also need money and support to run campaigns and with that comes the wheeling, dealing and alliances. This is why I say it’s the citizens who must force a change.
Littleton has recently made a choice. I campaigned on a platform of service, openness, responsibility and trustworthiness as the foundation of approaching all the issues. My opponent campaigned on alliances and “connections” and spent a bit more spinning his time making promises that people wanted to hear.
I hope that in the next three years we can continue to build what a majority of you decided you want. Part of that is transparency, truthfulness and yes, trust. In 2008, the Selectmen adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics. Incredibly, there are some Boards and Committees who will not support it.
You can join me in insisting they do.Also, in the last three years, I have been a proponent of disclosure for any situation where a potential conflict of interest, self–interest or alliance obligation could cloud a deliberative process. Some still resist that, too. (Thankfully, none on the current Board of Selectmen.) For several years, two of us on the BOS have tried to get more meetings televised for you on cable so you can see how we conduct the Town’s business and see how we behave. Some of our local officials disagree with that. I was once rudely confronted at what was supposed to be an open/public meeting as to why I was there, this person summarized what I was doing as a “disgrace” and that I wasn’t invited. WE ARE ALL INVITED! We should demand that our public officials act respectfully.
I know that in the next three years, I will continue this push.
I ask for your help. It’s time that special and personal interests exited Littleton and the sense of public responsibility marches forward. I thank all of you who share this vision and encourage those who have not been of this ilk to join in. The future of Littleton awaits our good choices. And let me say again:
WE ARE ALL INVITED.Note: There are many issues ahead including planning the overlay zoning, state revenue freefall, school aid, economic development and the preservation of services. Please take an interest now when the campaign regale (entertain or amuse by telling stories) has subsided. This is when we get things accomplished on your behalf.
