This slide show has been updated and posted anew on April 24, 2009. Please look for it in the documents section.
This entry was posted
on Saturday, April 18th, 2009 at 9:21 am and is filed under BCC Fact Finder, Public Documents, Town Info.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
I like SB2. It allows more folks to vote. The Town Meeting of old was a special event that drew citizens from all sections of town. Most of the day was devoted to the meeting. People actually worked for a living back then. Without delving into history books, googling, and all this other modern stuff, I would make an educated guess that most of the voters in town attended this yearly gathering. Their very livelihood was at stake. They HAD to attend. Today’s mindset, unfortunately, is: I don’t have the time to attend, the kids have a game, it’s raining, I don’t feel well, LET THE OTHER GUY VOTE BUT NOT ME, etc. You get the drift.
It’s time for a change in the way in which we vote. The Town (& school)
Meeting is held at an hour unsuitable for the vast majority of voters, especially the elderly. This is the 21st century and because we elected a President who promised change, so we should also vote for a change in the way we vote.
I have spoken with many older community members re the SB2 choice. Many are simply fed up with the “status quo” of Bow in general. They are extremely frustrated by the “system” run by a few wealthy men and women. These folks feel as if they are the “doormats” of the town. They sense vindictiveness when voting against something at a public meeting. For this very reason they do not attend. SB2 allows voting in the privacy of one’s home!!!
SB2 gives everyone a chance to vote without fear of retaliation. It also allows one time (a couple of weeks) to think about how one will vote rather than having to make a split second decision at a public meeting.
I suggest that some of those against SB2 are merely so because they are afraid their agenda may be in jeopardy with more people casting ballots. Roughly 5% of voters decide how more than $30 million is going to be spent. The voter apathy in the modern age is pathetic. SB2 might
be what we need to kick some butt and get people involved with how their scalped tax dollars are being spent.
Those against SB2 have pressed the panic button. Why would they hold a special informative (one way, probably) meeting? SB2 failed to pass by a percentage point or two the last time it was presented. It takes 60% of the cast ballots to pass so obviously the majority is in favor. All it will take is a few more “aye” votes.
Simple question to start off: if everyone who is registered in Bow is allowed to vote at town meeting, and those votes determine how much tax money is raised and what it will be spent on, how then is ““system” run by a few wealthy men and women?”
You stated in another retort that you are not a grammarian. Please rephrase your last sentence. It doesn’t make sense. BTW “you’ve got” is incorrect use of the English language. You seem to be knowledgeable without doubt.
You appear to be a democrat with strong ACLU notions. I’m merely looking at all this with a more down-to-earth and common sense approach without all the legal mumble jumble that a lawyer would use to distort the issue.
PORK is one word to describe Washington. I don’t run my household the way our elected officials run “their house” in Washington. Yes, I am cynical as I don’t trust them. Do you trust them with YOUR money? I don’t trust them with mine. They waste more money in a minute than I will earn over my life span. Why shouldn’t I be cynical?
Here’s the point……our elected officials at any level rarely commiserate with the average man or woman on the street trying to earn an honest wage. They are in “the game” for themselves and no one else. Pompous elitists they are. They vote themselves raises, they have top notch, no-cost medical care, they have exorbitant retirement benefits just to name a few of the perks. And they’re there to serve the people? I doubt it. There motto is: “It’s all about getting re-elected.” Ah the good life of Washington with its social functions for the betterment of LBJ’s “affluent society.” No, I don’t trust them!!!!! They send men and women off to war without due cause. World War II was the last “legitimate” war.
Local politicians, however, are in it primarily for self esteem as well as pushing through pet agendas without giving any thought as to how we’re going to pay for this, that or whatever. The property tax system is broken as it is no longer an indication of wealth as it was in colonial times. Wealth should be measured in dollars. Wealth can also be measured by one’s health but they haven’t figured out a way to tax it….yet.
BTW….never end a sentence with a preposition. That’s one of the first rules when “learning” English. Yes, I’ll admit, we all do it in casual conversation but it is incorrect. Just wanted to point that out to you,
oh perfect one.
Again, I’ve asked you once already, please do not assume you know my political views.
As far as my prior comment is concerned: your argument on SB2 does not contain any substantial facts about its efficacy. I’m eager for you to present facts that explain how SB2 would be a better option for Bow than a traditional town meeting.
There are pros and cons re SB2. I happen to think that it’s worth a try. It gets more people involved in the voting process that otherwise would stay at home. Reasons for staying at home: old age folks are apt to be in bed by 8PM, husband and wife have overlapping jobs with no baby sitter for the kids, illness on the town meeting night, a previous commitment, a sense that their votes won’t count, a frustration of defeat of their beliefs, intimidation in public when voting, a feeling amongst older folks is that the school board, selectmen, and budget committee are going to keep taxing and spending no matter what. The economy is in the tank and many of us with 401Ks have seem them shrink drastically but yet the teachers received a 3.5% pay increase. People in town have been terminated from jobs held for years. Some have had their salaries reduced. Was there any concern from our elected officials? I’ll let you answer that one. Look at all the homes for sale. Here’s another issue of frustration…..many of us have supported several generations of students. Student enrollment is on a steep decline but yet the teachers received raises. The school board apparently has no clout when dealing with the school union. Do like President Regan did with the FAA workers. He fired them and started from scratch with non-union workers. There were some problems, of course, but I don’t recall a single crash. Giving teachers pay raises doesn’t equate to a better education. At the annual school meeting all the talk was about the teachers but not about the students and/or their quality of education. In fact 4 teaching positions were eliminated as well as 32 classes. What sort of message does this send to the students. SB2 surely would have voted down pay raises in these economic times. We’re all this crisis together but some folks just won’t budge.
Keep in mind that these elected officials obtained office fairly and squarely but that does not mean that they represent everyone’s view.
It’s impossible. They represent a very small majority of taxpayers.
You are a very confident individual. At least you stated that you were proud to stand up and be counted when voting. I hold the same standard. BUT there are those who are intimidated whom you must and should recognize if you’re the “goody-two-shoes” that you claim to be.
Simply stated: SB2 would give folks a chance to vote who otherwise would not. Think of our military personnel overseas. Shouldn’t they be able to vote? What about folks on vacation?
Voter apathy is rampant when only 5% vote. People just don’t care. You can’t control it and I can’t. It’s a fact. Not enough people care today and it’s very sad.
The traditional town meeting of old was attended by almost every citizen. Today, of course, this is far from the truth. It is time to try a new approach to the way we vote. More taxpayers must become involved and if it takes SB2, let’s do it.
Well said. The money in schools is not usually spent on the mundane things you need to teach anyway, or the fact that some of us put in 10-12 hour days. It’s spent on things that no one voted for, that have dubious or political value, and that no one would approve if given half a chance.. and don’t get me going on administration!
SB2 is great — for old and young alike. There is no argument, period. Stuff that was about it by town employees in other places where it was brought up for a vote was just plain lies.
“(these elected officials ) represent a very small majority of taxpayers” tsk,tsk, tsk.
I suppose we would be better served by a group of “Pompous elitists” they represent a large minority of taxpayers.
Interesting slide show.
It is not a change in government but just a change in how you vote. I kind of like that.
I like SB2. It allows more folks to vote. The Town Meeting of old was a special event that drew citizens from all sections of town. Most of the day was devoted to the meeting. People actually worked for a living back then. Without delving into history books, googling, and all this other modern stuff, I would make an educated guess that most of the voters in town attended this yearly gathering. Their very livelihood was at stake. They HAD to attend. Today’s mindset, unfortunately, is: I don’t have the time to attend, the kids have a game, it’s raining, I don’t feel well, LET THE OTHER GUY VOTE BUT NOT ME, etc. You get the drift.
It’s time for a change in the way in which we vote. The Town (& school)
Meeting is held at an hour unsuitable for the vast majority of voters, especially the elderly. This is the 21st century and because we elected a President who promised change, so we should also vote for a change in the way we vote.
I have spoken with many older community members re the SB2 choice. Many are simply fed up with the “status quo” of Bow in general. They are extremely frustrated by the “system” run by a few wealthy men and women. These folks feel as if they are the “doormats” of the town. They sense vindictiveness when voting against something at a public meeting. For this very reason they do not attend. SB2 allows voting in the privacy of one’s home!!!
SB2 gives everyone a chance to vote without fear of retaliation. It also allows one time (a couple of weeks) to think about how one will vote rather than having to make a split second decision at a public meeting.
I suggest that some of those against SB2 are merely so because they are afraid their agenda may be in jeopardy with more people casting ballots. Roughly 5% of voters decide how more than $30 million is going to be spent. The voter apathy in the modern age is pathetic. SB2 might
be what we need to kick some butt and get people involved with how their scalped tax dollars are being spent.
Those against SB2 have pressed the panic button. Why would they hold a special informative (one way, probably) meeting? SB2 failed to pass by a percentage point or two the last time it was presented. It takes 60% of the cast ballots to pass so obviously the majority is in favor. All it will take is a few more “aye” votes.
I favor SB2 and will vote for it.
retiredvet,
Simple question to start off: if everyone who is registered in Bow is allowed to vote at town meeting, and those votes determine how much tax money is raised and what it will be spent on, how then is ““system” run by a few wealthy men and women?”
Publius:
The Bow “system” is merely a mirror image of Washington. Only the wealthy get elected and push their agenda(s).
retiredvet,
Your argument is filled with cynicism where proof should lie. I’d love to hear that all that you’ve got.
Publius:
You stated in another retort that you are not a grammarian. Please rephrase your last sentence. It doesn’t make sense. BTW “you’ve got” is incorrect use of the English language. You seem to be knowledgeable without doubt.
You appear to be a democrat with strong ACLU notions. I’m merely looking at all this with a more down-to-earth and common sense approach without all the legal mumble jumble that a lawyer would use to distort the issue.
PORK is one word to describe Washington. I don’t run my household the way our elected officials run “their house” in Washington. Yes, I am cynical as I don’t trust them. Do you trust them with YOUR money? I don’t trust them with mine. They waste more money in a minute than I will earn over my life span. Why shouldn’t I be cynical?
Here’s the point……our elected officials at any level rarely commiserate with the average man or woman on the street trying to earn an honest wage. They are in “the game” for themselves and no one else. Pompous elitists they are. They vote themselves raises, they have top notch, no-cost medical care, they have exorbitant retirement benefits just to name a few of the perks. And they’re there to serve the people? I doubt it. There motto is: “It’s all about getting re-elected.” Ah the good life of Washington with its social functions for the betterment of LBJ’s “affluent society.” No, I don’t trust them!!!!! They send men and women off to war without due cause. World War II was the last “legitimate” war.
Local politicians, however, are in it primarily for self esteem as well as pushing through pet agendas without giving any thought as to how we’re going to pay for this, that or whatever. The property tax system is broken as it is no longer an indication of wealth as it was in colonial times. Wealth should be measured in dollars. Wealth can also be measured by one’s health but they haven’t figured out a way to tax it….yet.
BTW….never end a sentence with a preposition. That’s one of the first rules when “learning” English. Yes, I’ll admit, we all do it in casual conversation but it is incorrect. Just wanted to point that out to you,
oh perfect one.
retiredvet,
Again, I’ve asked you once already, please do not assume you know my political views.
As far as my prior comment is concerned: your argument on SB2 does not contain any substantial facts about its efficacy. I’m eager for you to present facts that explain how SB2 would be a better option for Bow than a traditional town meeting.
publius:
There are pros and cons re SB2. I happen to think that it’s worth a try. It gets more people involved in the voting process that otherwise would stay at home. Reasons for staying at home: old age folks are apt to be in bed by 8PM, husband and wife have overlapping jobs with no baby sitter for the kids, illness on the town meeting night, a previous commitment, a sense that their votes won’t count, a frustration of defeat of their beliefs, intimidation in public when voting, a feeling amongst older folks is that the school board, selectmen, and budget committee are going to keep taxing and spending no matter what. The economy is in the tank and many of us with 401Ks have seem them shrink drastically but yet the teachers received a 3.5% pay increase. People in town have been terminated from jobs held for years. Some have had their salaries reduced. Was there any concern from our elected officials? I’ll let you answer that one. Look at all the homes for sale. Here’s another issue of frustration…..many of us have supported several generations of students. Student enrollment is on a steep decline but yet the teachers received raises. The school board apparently has no clout when dealing with the school union. Do like President Regan did with the FAA workers. He fired them and started from scratch with non-union workers. There were some problems, of course, but I don’t recall a single crash. Giving teachers pay raises doesn’t equate to a better education. At the annual school meeting all the talk was about the teachers but not about the students and/or their quality of education. In fact 4 teaching positions were eliminated as well as 32 classes. What sort of message does this send to the students. SB2 surely would have voted down pay raises in these economic times. We’re all this crisis together but some folks just won’t budge.
Keep in mind that these elected officials obtained office fairly and squarely but that does not mean that they represent everyone’s view.
It’s impossible. They represent a very small majority of taxpayers.
You are a very confident individual. At least you stated that you were proud to stand up and be counted when voting. I hold the same standard. BUT there are those who are intimidated whom you must and should recognize if you’re the “goody-two-shoes” that you claim to be.
Simply stated: SB2 would give folks a chance to vote who otherwise would not. Think of our military personnel overseas. Shouldn’t they be able to vote? What about folks on vacation?
Voter apathy is rampant when only 5% vote. People just don’t care. You can’t control it and I can’t. It’s a fact. Not enough people care today and it’s very sad.
The traditional town meeting of old was attended by almost every citizen. Today, of course, this is far from the truth. It is time to try a new approach to the way we vote. More taxpayers must become involved and if it takes SB2, let’s do it.
Well said. The money in schools is not usually spent on the mundane things you need to teach anyway, or the fact that some of us put in 10-12 hour days. It’s spent on things that no one voted for, that have dubious or political value, and that no one would approve if given half a chance.. and don’t get me going on administration!
SB2 is great — for old and young alike. There is no argument, period. Stuff that was about it by town employees in other places where it was brought up for a vote was just plain lies.
FYI: A new version of this was just posted in the Documents category.
“(these elected officials ) represent a very small majority of taxpayers” tsk,tsk, tsk.
I suppose we would be better served by a group of “Pompous elitists” they represent a large minority of taxpayers.