The Futility of Woodstock’s Civil War
I took some time today and read some history of Woodstock’s civil war going back as far as I could find in the various publications that have chronicled these struggles through time. I was able to find vivid descriptions of the battles back to 2003.
The first thing that struck me is that we are exactly where we were 5 years ago, except for of course, the collateral damage that has been inflicted on both sides and some minor victories in uncovering issues. While the same points are reargued, generals have come and gone, political parties have gained momentum, strategies have crashed and burned and combatants have exited the field without much in the way of progress with regard to solving the problems that continue to loom.
I have to wonder if this is lost on those who seem to cling to their positions at all costs in the face of an immovable opponent on the other side of the battle line. It appears to me that a new initiative must begin and it can’t start soon enough.
As you may have guessed, I have some pretty strong feelings on all of this. First, let me say that I continue to have a very high level of disgust regarding how our boards operate just because they can, and the image they seem to perpetuate whether intentional or not. Is this a power trip? I really can’t say, but it is very illogical. After the last skirmishes and the combatants gear up for another foray, I would think that reality must be setting in by now. Almost everything has been attempted except the right thing- and that would be the transparency that has been repeatedly been called for over the years, most recently by the MFATF report.
Consider this, if half of the energy expended in the battles was spent on constructive reform, where might we be? Make no mistake, reform is what is required. Everything will need to be on the table, so, where to begin?
I call on our new leadership, the BOS, to set the agenda. The honeymoon is over, now lead, the status quo is unacceptable. Don’t be fooled, this is why we elected you and for no other reason. If you don’t, you won’t be there long no matter who you are related to. With all of the major problems facing our town, color coded garbage bags shouldn’t be high on the list right now.
This could begin by formal inquiry to each of the other boards as to what their positions are regarding the MFATF recommendations; call on them in their next regular meetings to vote on adoption as written and to immediately form subcommittees to plan implementation within a reasonable time certain. This amounts to a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) from their perspectives, bearing in mind the required transparency and information to be shared with the citizens. We have the ability to understand far more than you give us credit for as has been repeatedly proven.
The positions of the respective boards should be publicized immediately. If they refuse, the public will demand an explanation, I guarantee it. The sentiment of the citizenry is about as poor as it gets prior to outright revolt as was witnessed at the forums regarding the 9th Grade proposal. This was also validated at the polls.
Then and only then can the healing begin and the town be brought together to work in concert for what is important- our children and the future of this beautiful little town. Otherwise I fear we will watch it figuratively burn down around us.
The first thing that struck me is that we are exactly where we were 5 years ago, except for of course, the collateral damage that has been inflicted on both sides and some minor victories in uncovering issues. While the same points are reargued, generals have come and gone, political parties have gained momentum, strategies have crashed and burned and combatants have exited the field without much in the way of progress with regard to solving the problems that continue to loom.
I have to wonder if this is lost on those who seem to cling to their positions at all costs in the face of an immovable opponent on the other side of the battle line. It appears to me that a new initiative must begin and it can’t start soon enough.
As you may have guessed, I have some pretty strong feelings on all of this. First, let me say that I continue to have a very high level of disgust regarding how our boards operate just because they can, and the image they seem to perpetuate whether intentional or not. Is this a power trip? I really can’t say, but it is very illogical. After the last skirmishes and the combatants gear up for another foray, I would think that reality must be setting in by now. Almost everything has been attempted except the right thing- and that would be the transparency that has been repeatedly been called for over the years, most recently by the MFATF report.
Consider this, if half of the energy expended in the battles was spent on constructive reform, where might we be? Make no mistake, reform is what is required. Everything will need to be on the table, so, where to begin?
I call on our new leadership, the BOS, to set the agenda. The honeymoon is over, now lead, the status quo is unacceptable. Don’t be fooled, this is why we elected you and for no other reason. If you don’t, you won’t be there long no matter who you are related to. With all of the major problems facing our town, color coded garbage bags shouldn’t be high on the list right now.
This could begin by formal inquiry to each of the other boards as to what their positions are regarding the MFATF recommendations; call on them in their next regular meetings to vote on adoption as written and to immediately form subcommittees to plan implementation within a reasonable time certain. This amounts to a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) from their perspectives, bearing in mind the required transparency and information to be shared with the citizens. We have the ability to understand far more than you give us credit for as has been repeatedly proven.
The positions of the respective boards should be publicized immediately. If they refuse, the public will demand an explanation, I guarantee it. The sentiment of the citizenry is about as poor as it gets prior to outright revolt as was witnessed at the forums regarding the 9th Grade proposal. This was also validated at the polls.
Then and only then can the healing begin and the town be brought together to work in concert for what is important- our children and the future of this beautiful little town. Otherwise I fear we will watch it figuratively burn down around us.
Admin,
Excellent article.
Love "Woodstock's Civil War". So True!
What a shame that the agenda-driven individuals who have helped to perpetuate the "war" have still not learned the errors of thier ways.
Transparency is key. Respect and consideration would not hurt either!