6:50 PM, and the room was just about still. 7 PM, and it WAS still. No rustling, chit-chatting, or scuffling of feet. 49 citizens, 2 reporters, and one cameraman facing the 4 Paris selectmen sitting at the front table. People in the audience nodded to each other with knowing gestures and grim expressions.
There was a new dynamic this evening: an air of non-energy.
The October 26th meeting began in the mumble and murmur mode. The audience strained to hear the items in #4, "Accounts Payable". But, of the 3 more talkative Selectmen, 2 seemed pretty much exhausted, and had difficulty getting words past the 2nd row; in fact, spoke in a quiet, conversational tone...to each other, it would seem.
Is this the new ploy? To make the audience feel as if they're not there? That they are inconsequential by trying to discount them?
A frequent supporter of the current majority was recognized to make a particular presentation, and invited to "come up here if you want" [to the front of the room] and speak good and loud! The speaker was determined to be lacking in decibels. He turned his back completely to the 49, and, when urged to speak up by those behind him, addressed only the front table, tossing over his shoulder, "I'm here to address my elected officials tonight. I'm not here to discuss with any of you...I can't speak up. This is the best I can do. Please listen or hear the tape..."
Oh, yes. You can be sure of that. Hidden agendas become absolutely transparent to the camera.
So. Moving on...
22 items on this agenda...19 concerns, several of real merit. Ambitious. In the 4th month of a new administration, voters tend to look for that.
There will most certainly be thorough mention of the agenda items themselves by other factions of our local media. But there is also merit in focusing on what was not asked; what did no one mention, or follow up on?
There was a discussion of the need, and funding, for a new or repaired tank truck for the fire department. Along with a request for Chief Frost to get bids, there was also mention of a $15,000 "Contingency Fund." Then a little nervous laughter, and the changing of the subject. What kind of options are left in our town budget for anything we need, e.g., proper fire fighting equipment, never mind something we are now stuck with because of careless leadership, e.g., costs for a law suit because of a reckless administrative move?
What progress has there been in the search for a new town manager? What discussion for qualifications? Does anyone realize that there are enlightened communities, e.g., Lewiston, Sabattus, for two, that have search committees that include some selectmen along with a number of voters? Who is going to pick this new manager in Paris? Why does that seem such a worrisome thought?
There was a point made about a selectboard member who was closely related to a landowner with a specific interest in the resolution of a matter. Why was that point completely ignored by the selectman in question in his ensuing monologue on how he felt the issue should be decided? What is there about conflict of interest that is so difficult to understand?
So many important questions in need of answers.
