Stockbridge Updates received too many letters in response to White stepping down and his exit interview on CTSBTV – The Stockbridge Updates show to print. Please allow us to summarize them.
The majority were sad and felt his resignation was a loss to the Town. Three were happy. A few were angry and wanted to “do something.” Some were insistent and wanted to undo something, that is, White’s resignation. Fewer were unaware of the meeting and asked for more information.
As always, SU hopes that our reporting supplied the desired information, and if not, SU encourages everyone to submit follow up questions.
Closing thoughts in coverage of this story:
SU thanks White for his service and also notes his exemplary record of accomplishment in the areas of land conservation, reconciliation with our co-founders, the Mohicans, municipal budgeting, and the foundational steps in increasing affordable and work force housing by establishing the Affordable Housing Trust and passage of the Residential Inclusionary Bylaw to fund AHT.
SU wishes him well in his future and is certain the whole Town joins us in that wish.
SU has an additional obligation, every newspaper, no matter how small, shares the responsibility to inform, to tell truth to power, and even to point out problems in governance and mistakes by governors. In a democracy, it is everyone’s job. If you see something say something is an easy slogan to say but a hard thing to do. Nevertheless, SU hopes all of us join together in doing the hard stuff.
Remember civics class? Civics is the study of a citizen’s rights and duties. The objective of civics class was to equip us with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in a democratic society. We learned about specifics such as the three branches of government and concepts such as representative democracy, majority rule, and the importance of the rule of law. In short, we learned about the power of the people and how to wield it.
By promoting civic literacy and engagement, civics education contributed to the strength and stability of democratic societies. We all have a stake in and a responsibility to maintain the stability of democratic societies. We all have to do it: if you see something, say something even when it’s hard.
It may be made easier to remember that process is important. We don’t have to attack people -– get the process right and the rest follows. For example, if our new board loses their way and starts to say stuff like it’s a SB decision – no public comment is necessary – we need to gently remind them that is not so and shouldn’t be. They represent us, and we the people must be ready to inform them. Everyone’s voice is heard. Everyone listens and grants the speaker dignified response. The best solution comes from a confluence of ideas. In a democracy we all work, or democracy doesn’t.
