January 9, 2008
At Tuesday’s (1/8/2008) Selectmen Meeting, concern was raised about the proposed group to review the B-R Regional Agreement. So far, B-R has appointed Gordon Luciano and Joe Gillis; the Raynham Selectmen have appointed John Donahue. The Bridgewater Selectmen were concerned about a group of four on the SubCommittee and if the meetings would be open and televised.
Some background first. This was initiated based on a letter to B-R from the Raynham Selectmen requesting that a review of the Agreement take place since some parts are outdated (for example, school names and addresses need to be revised). The Regional Agreement provides two means for an amendment: (a) by a vote of the School Committee; or (b) by a petition of 10% of voters in either town. Keep in mind, the intent of B-R is to simplify the process for any potential changes. The other course is to require 10% of the voters to submit a recommendation. Just like the Selectmen can place something on a Town Meeting Warrant, or they can conversely wait for the 100+ signatures prior to acting. So, rather than requiring Bridgewater to obtain 1400+ signatures on a petition to revise school buildings and names and any other matters, the School Committee can submit proposed changes to the Towns. Either way, the ultimate decision will be made by a Town Meeting vote.
So, the B-R School Committee voted to form a SubCommittee – as a Task Committee – to investigate the Regional Agreement and determine what issues might need revision. Rather than just being a couple members of the School Committee reviewing the document, it was determined that a representative from each Board of Selectmen would be invited to participate. This decision was meant to be inclusive – to engage the two towns in the process – and help understand issues and concerns. The Task Committee would then report the issues and concerns to the full B-R School Committee. At that point, the Task Committee’s job might be done, or the School Committee may ask for further insight or suggestions. (Issues raised may be of a nature that an attorney would need to re-write, for instance.) The final decision on what is submitted to the Towns will be by a vote of the B-R School Committee.
Some individuals have expressed concern about an even-numbered SubCommittee. First of all, the SubCommittee is to bring forward issues. If even one of the four of us has an issue or idea, I believe it should and will be brought forward to the full B-R School Committee for their decision. The decision is not with the four people asked to begin the process, but with the full – and even-numbered – Bridgewater Raynham School Committee. Even-numbered committees exist all of the time. Perhaps the Bridgewater Selectmen have forgotten that the idea of Committees is to work together – and not just further person agendas.
Public and televised meetings? Sure, why not. Although I am not sure if this is to be the great theatre a couple of people expect it to be. And this complaint comes from the Bridgewater Selectmen Chair who would not recognize me to speak at one of the Selectmen Meetings when I asked to be heard on a matter related to my elected role as Vice-Chair of the B-R School Committee. All of this from an elected Board that does not see any need for any Public Input during their meetings. Hey Mark & Stan – rather than worrying about if this group will operate in the public eye, how about opening up the budget process and have open meetings for the public to attend as you deliberate the FY2009 Budget?
Lastly, I am amazed. Or maybe not. The Selectmen have once again outdone themselves. They were asked by another Board to send a representative to a Committee looking into a matter. But, rather than simply be happy about their inclusion, they decide to write a letter back telling B-R how we are doing it wrong and making demands on the group. Reminds me of their arrogance in regards to the Library Hearing last week. Mark didn’t want to attend, Chris Flynn did not attend (saying on cable that the decision would not be swayed anyway). The State Library Board had requested Town leadership to come to the Hearing and describe steps being taken to improve the Library. But, instead of attending, Mark Oliari in his comments lectured the State Library Board about how, where and when they schedule meetings. See a pattern? Mark, if they aren’t convenient or you will not make the time to attend to these matters representing the community, then you should resign from the Board of Selectmen!
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Joseph Gillis Jr.
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