Do We Have The Courage To Adopt The MFATF Recommendations?
See the MFATF recommendations -HERE-
Our former First Selectman, Margaret Wholean, created this initiative back in 2006 to investigate possible areas for improvement of efficiencies, communication and the review of expenditures. After 17 meetings the committee has rendered their report. Thanks to those involved.
It is this writer’s opinion that the substance of the MFATF recommendations are long overdue, however, I am a little skeptical that as a town we will have the courage to adopt them due to the status quo and secretive mentality that seems to pervade our boards.
In light of recent events regarding Mr. Richardson’s assertions and the BOF’s reaction, not to mention the ongoing antics of the BOE, meaningful movement in the direction suggested by the MFATF report regarding transparency, information sharing and other areas of concern may be a continuing uphill battle for the very information we as citizens are entitled to and should expect as a matter of course. I also find it ironic that many of the recommendations are along the lines of what our infamous ‘Straw Man’ organization has been saying for some time, though perhaps in more politically correct terms.
Call to Action
The call to action is really very clear.
To our Boards:
There is a very simple way to turn the corner on past problems and perceptions, and that is to step up and PROVE IT. Not by words or propaganda, but by deeds and actions. Would you like to stop dealing with FOI requests and inquiries? Stop hiding behind lawyers at our expense and face the music. This would be a simple and inexpensive way to silence and discredit your detractors. This will take COURAGE. While we do appreciate your work and service, we don’t appreciate being talked down to or ignored.
To our Citizens:
There is an old saying that- “Those who show up get to govern.” Don’t wait for someone else to do it, step up and be heard. Write a letter, make a call. This will take COURAGE. If you don’t want to go it alone, drop us a line and we will point you to someone familiar with the issues from many different perspectives that you can interact with, anonymously if you wish.
So, do we have the COURAGE?
Our former First Selectman, Margaret Wholean, created this initiative back in 2006 to investigate possible areas for improvement of efficiencies, communication and the review of expenditures. After 17 meetings the committee has rendered their report. Thanks to those involved.
It is this writer’s opinion that the substance of the MFATF recommendations are long overdue, however, I am a little skeptical that as a town we will have the courage to adopt them due to the status quo and secretive mentality that seems to pervade our boards.
In light of recent events regarding Mr. Richardson’s assertions and the BOF’s reaction, not to mention the ongoing antics of the BOE, meaningful movement in the direction suggested by the MFATF report regarding transparency, information sharing and other areas of concern may be a continuing uphill battle for the very information we as citizens are entitled to and should expect as a matter of course. I also find it ironic that many of the recommendations are along the lines of what our infamous ‘Straw Man’ organization has been saying for some time, though perhaps in more politically correct terms.
Call to Action
The call to action is really very clear.
To our Boards:
There is a very simple way to turn the corner on past problems and perceptions, and that is to step up and PROVE IT. Not by words or propaganda, but by deeds and actions. Would you like to stop dealing with FOI requests and inquiries? Stop hiding behind lawyers at our expense and face the music. This would be a simple and inexpensive way to silence and discredit your detractors. This will take COURAGE. While we do appreciate your work and service, we don’t appreciate being talked down to or ignored.
To our Citizens:
There is an old saying that- “Those who show up get to govern.” Don’t wait for someone else to do it, step up and be heard. Write a letter, make a call. This will take COURAGE. If you don’t want to go it alone, drop us a line and we will point you to someone familiar with the issues from many different perspectives that you can interact with, anonymously if you wish.
So, do we have the COURAGE?
As a MFATF member, I would like to thank you for your acknowledgement and support of the MFATF and its recommendations. I am hopeful that they will be positively embraced by the community and its leaders. They represent the concerns and suggestions of a non-partisan group of citizens who were honestly committed to identifying ways to enhance communication, increase revenue, and improve efficiency. While the development of a list of comprehensive recommendations that met the goals of our mission took 17 months to accomplish, the work that must follow in order to truly render success will require greater time, committed leadership, and a lot of work. It is my belief that the elected boards are busy enough with many of their own efforts and their day to day, month to month business, that to efficiently act on these recommendations will require them to develop a strong plan of action. This plan may include keeping the MFATF solvent to act as a facilitative body in overseeing the plan of action and developing more specific means towards implementation and evaluation.
If in fact the boards do make this suggestion, as is their perogative, it is important to note that the MFATF is a citizen driven group that welcomed participation, suggestions, and support from the community. The meetings were quite open, full of great discussion, very informative but unfortunatly not well attended by the public. If there is a future for MFATF and its recommendations, I would urge members of the community to become involved and let your voices be heard.