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

Want the Bar Raised

To move us forward and for everyone to benefit in the betterment, the world, our community, needs people to feel safe in speaking up when they are concerned. Many concerned citizens of Clinton fought for more than two years to establish a bona fide new form of government, which for the record I firmly still believe was the right thing for us to do.

Here’s where my disappointment comes in: I thought, perhaps hoped, that there would be more conversation, more inclusion, more listening, more doing. I thought with a seven-member diverse representation—some old faces, some new—that new ideas would be formulated, that actions would be taken to move us forward. I hoped that a town manager would bring us new ways of doing things, a critical eye to re-evaluate and manage what we have, and ideas to lower taxes and to bring resources to town.

I want to hear specifics of new outreach for economic development. I love the professional financial planning perspective that has been provided and was evident in last year’s budget process and this year. But I want questions asked and answered. I don’t want to hear “I can’t speak to that” or “That’s not the job.” I want to hear less back-patting and chest-pounding and more “This is what we propose” or “This is what we will accomplish.”

I expect those willing to speak up to be heard. I would hope that those who are willing to challenge be responded to, politely and with respect. I would love to hear more about what’s to come in Clinton and less of what has happened. I want the bar raised. I encourage your readers to join me in voting for Carrie Allen, Paul Gebauer, and Chris Passante for Town Council on Nov. 2.

Andrea Reu

Clinton