Letter to the Editor: "Special" Town Meeting

All who attended the Special Town meeting this past Monday night witnessed two very important issues surrounding the approval of the additional funding for the new school, the benefits of due process of special town meeting and the requirements by the state to secure funding for our school project.  One unified the community and the other divided us.

Simply put an idea was suggested, discussed, and voted upon.  Much occurred in between, including anger, expressed frustration, condescending comments and intimidation, but in the end good prevailed.  No, not the additional funding approved for the new school project.  It was the peaceful and confident vote taken by the citizens of North Reading.  When everyone cast their vote they stuffed the ballot box with confidence.  There were no intimidating stares.  No piercing eyes of judgment.  No gossip about who voted for what.  The private vote is one of the most powerful actions an individual has at their disposal.  It can be the weapon to use against a proposal someone doesn’t want or it can be the trigger mechanism to the establishment of something good for the community.  I will propose to the Board of Selectman that they begin the process of changing the by-law that pertains to special town meeting due process and Roberts Rules, that all voting at Special Town Meeting be cast by ballot only, without the requirement of having 25 registered voting residents rise.

Special town meeting is all about the word “special”. It’s a “special’ request made by those who have a “special” interest in the item before the town.  They stack the room with every person they can, intimidate by the their numbers, and in some instances overtly, towards anyone in opposition.  The ballot request made this past Monday was requested because, going into the “special” meeting people felt intimidated.  Was this justified? I would say there was no real need to feel that way in this case, but the feeling itself was real.  There is a history attached to special town meeting that lends it to avoidance by those not in support of a proposal.  People become exposed when they must stand up and request a ballot vote.  They become exposed when they have to raise their hand for everyone to see.  I do not wish to be dramatic, but I see this as a weakness in due process that eats at the core of its intent.  I want everyone to enter a “Special” Town Meeting with the same opportunity to voice their opinion and cast their vote with confidence.

Those in favor of the new school project need to be empathetic of those who can’t afford the additional tax.  Food on the table and clothing are more vital to a family in need.  Those who can’t afford the additional burden need to understand the educational needs of children, including their own, in the very competitive world of which we live.  A good education is the path out of poverty.  The truth is no one on either side of the school issue wants to push people they don’t know out of their homes, and no one wants to deprive our children the education they need.  Every argument I heard justified a yea or nay vote.  We all agree, our children need food, shelter and an education.  So why are we arguing amongst each other.

Systemically the process is corrupt.  No, not the SSBC, the School Committee, the Board of Selectman or the Finance committee.  These committees are made of dedicated caring people who have only the best interest of the community in mind.  They are parents just like you who came forward to do something good, even at the expense of being chastised for their efforts.  Unfortunately, the SSBC will be remembered for building a school that is not a Taj Mahal, but should be at a cost of $122.5M.  This would be unfair, but true.

The MSBA (an arm of the State) makes funds available for capital projects in the guise of an opportunity to build a community, but in effect puts us between a rock and a hard place, simultaneously putting residents at odds.  We have had three major projects in North Reading, since I moved her in 1995.  All three have been a debacle.  The police station, the Batchelder school (Swan Pond) and now the new school project.  All have been way over budget and cost more than they could have.  I find this unacceptable and I hope you do as well.  The MSBA requires we make an estimate at 20% of project, after determining their contribution we must have a special town meeting to approve that estimate, in 120 days have a town wide vote, then leave us with any cost overrun, because their initial contribution is final.  This happens every time the State or an agency thereof is involved.  It will continue unless we challenge our lawmakers to change the way they conduct our business.

I will request the Board of Selectman start a dialogue with our State Representative Brad Jones and State Senator Bruce Tarr to initiate a movement within the House and Senate chambers to eliminate the Prevailing wage law, and make Massachusetts a right to work state.  These two actions would reduce the cost of doing business in Massachusetts, make affordable capital projects, and reduce taxes.  I will also ask that they reach out to other Town Boards to join them in this effort.  Finally, make it part of their strategic plan.

Jeff Yull