What are we waiting for? Is it time to be ok now? Do we know enough about anything to be secure yet about: a.) how this town is supposed to operate? and b.) is it operating that way?
We do know:
*The 2009 independent financial audit report - done in July 2009 - has come in, and, as of June 2009, Paris was in solid shape. The audit information is public information, available to look at and ask questions about if you call the town office ahead of time.
*That we will not have to take out a loan to operate this town after the end of March, contrary to a concerned statement made in early January by then newly appointed town manager P. Tarr.
*Where we stand, right now, on budget to actual expenses, because Treasurer Sharon Gendreau has those figures. This information is also public, and, if you call ahead, you can arrange a time to ask your own questions.
TPR learned today, for instance, that the budgeted amount for attorney fees, $8,000, is already over budget by 50%. We have paid, as of March 30, 2010, $12,070.87 ($1,000 of that for Mr. Hanley's repeat performance re. Town Farm Road...).
*That we are fortunate to have a dedicated and professional group of ladies working in that front office.
*That we have 4 selectmen who are going to try their hardest to get this town back on track, with our support.
But we have unfinished business, always with unknowns:
*How much will we lose from state revenue this coming year?
What will we have to cut further?
*The resolution of a law suit brought about by the vengeful firing of a former town manager;
* An interlocal agreement with Norway that must be reestablished - or a new plan made - to keep solid waste management in the hands of a board comprised of people who are responsive to the voters, and the law, instead of their own agenda.
We've started; and now we have to keep each other moving - complacency is such an easy chair to fall into when the maddening roar stops for a moment.
This town will only become what we want if we demand it be so, and then step up to help.
