Obstacle - well, I guess it depends on the issue and the stance, doesn't it
From Dictionary.com:
Noun: something that obstructs or hinders progress...An obstacle is something,
material or nonmaterial, that stands in the way of literal or figurative progress
The BudComm was trying to move the Town forward by making it easier for taxpayers to review the major costs in Gilford - the Town and SAU employee salaries (and associated benefit costs). It is the belief of the members that while the information is public, it requires a citizen to go down to the appropriate offices and file Right To Know requests. To many (if not most), this is a frightening proposition. Given what School Board member Paul Blandford said in the local paper, many may believe (true or not) that there might be ramifications for requesting what is rightfully theirs.
However, we know that the Selectmen turned down the request with only Gus Benevides voting it make it easier and less stressful for taxpayers to get that information. In this week's Steamer, I learned a couple more details: :
Benavides said that the town has to balance the needs of the employees and the needs of the taxpayers. Benavides was concerned that it would have a negative impact on the taxpayers but went on to say that Gilford is "of the people, by the people, and the people have a right to know."
As for town employees, it is expected that everything they do will be made public, Benavides said.
Connie Grant and Alice Boucher voted not to do so. Connie was quoted as saying:
Grant said she was concerned it was just too much at one time for her to be comfortable with.
"You sit in the (selectmen) office and all the town reports are there," said Grant. "This is a big step and I don't want to be the three that change history."
Gee, an impediment to make progress on behalf of the taxpayers...an unwillingness to push forward?
Yet, what was it that Connie called the BudComm? Oh yeah...
I had already called the question which, by the informal rules that Dick had allowed and used all year should have resulted in a vote taken rather than a continuing discussion. However, Dick allowed Connie to address the members and she did say (as the above video snippet shows):
"I can't believe that you [the BudComm members] will be an obstacle rather than part of that success"
[implying to me "everyone else is behind this, why are you all being stubborn - just go along, get along with us, and approve this thing"]
Doug took grief (and I am sorry that I did not speak up, especially when I was the one that had called the question) when he realized that the BudComm was being put down and tried to bring to Dick's attention during her statement that I had called the question in order to stop the insulting of the BudComm earler decision. And yes, my philosophy was to give the taxpayer's money BACK to the taxpayers. That is an obstacle? I doubt very much that the taxpayers will see it that way. After all, it at least allows them to control their own money and not us, their elected officials.
While we are elected and have responsibilities, it should always be uppermost that it is not OUR money, it is not the Town's or SAU's money, it is the taxpayers money. In the case of a "tie" and where possible, let the taxpayers vote their own interest and their wallets - we (elected and appointed officials and employees) exist solely for the benefit of the taxpayers. Never should we be of a mindset that we know better than they do what they want to do with their money regardless of how good, how important, or how much progress we believe would be done with their money.
Now, change the date, the time, and the Board under the microscope:
Given that the Selectmen refuse to change their meeting time (only Gus has made the attempt to change the Selectmen meeting time), I or any other person having to work regular business hours, certainly do not have the same opportunity to try to persuade the Selectmen to change their decisions.
Taxpayers access Salary Info - not easier
Obstacle.
I guess it all depends on what the issue is, who, the stance, and as to whether or not the word can be used, eh?
Pot, Kettle, Black.
