This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Struck by the Hypocrisy

I’m struck by the hypocrisy of some of our elected officials regarding the Board of Finance (BOF) policy to protect capital funding for our roads and infrastructure. Days after First Selectman Peggy Lyons surprised the public and members of her own board by opening the Board of Selectmen (BOS) agenda and voting on a bonding referendum date, BOF member John Picard complained that the voting on a capital funding policy, after months of public discussion and numerous articles in the press, showed lack of forethought and was rushed after appearing on the agenda twice.

Unlike the state, the BOF is taking concrete steps to ensure that our capital needs are protected in the future with this much-needed policy. I for one want to see the town invest in education and community infrastructure. I applaud the BOF for having the courage to protect our future. Forethought, honesty, and transparency are three critical elements for a successful and fully representative government, followed closely by consistency. Allowing for and encouraging informed, spirited, and open-minded public discussion and even healthy discourse is the cornerstone of our nation’s governmental system.

Our leaders need to fully listen and embrace what has been brought forth by the people. Lyons ran on a platform of transparency, forethought, and preparedness. This is not what I and others are seeing however. This type of maneuvering has also happened in the Academy School after thought, without informing the constituency of this important but last-minute agenda item addition.

The people of Madison need to be fully advised, in a timely and effective manner, of all the topics, issues, and considerations to be brought before the BOF and BOS and given time to prepare for open discussion, debate, and consideration.

Robert Hubbard

Madison