Is Town Meeting Best for Dummerston? Historical Society

The special town meeting drew citizens to an overflow crowd. However, it was announced that no decision could be made as the meeting had not been properly warned and another special town meeting would be scheduled.

The meeting therefore proceeded as an informational session. There were many questions and opinions voiced on the question of funding for a new fire truck. The meeting concluded with some feeling that had we had a regular March town meeting there would have been a healthy explanation and discussion of the primary issue: the expenditure of a large amount of taxes for a new truck for the Volunteer Fire Department.

This is one good reason why we should continue to have in-person annual town meetings. They uniquely allow for citizen participation in the important issues of the town. The interaction, both in discussion and in socializing as neighbors and townsfolk, is treasured custom.

May we return to regular in-person town meetings.

I grew up in Brattleboro and moved to Dummerston in 1984. Over the years I have been able to attend many Town Meetings, but not every year due to work and life commitments. I feel that in-person meetings are in the best interest of the Town because we are able to voice our opinions and questions to Selectboard members as well as Town personnel, where all in attendance can hear the response, then vote according to information presented.

In-person meetings allow everyone an opportunity to speak if they wish to, but also a time to meet new neighbors, catch up with old friends, but more importantly to vote on Town business and know how our tax money is being spent.

I agree that mid-week daytime meetings are not the most efficient way to conduct public Town business these days, so I propose that the Town Meeting be held on a Saturday or have it two nights, one night for town business and another night for school business. Other towns in Vermont have adopted these options and it seems to work well.

I do not feel that virtual meeting or a system like Mr. Goodband has proposed is a good idea. The Selectboard meets on a regular basis so taxpayers should be able to let them know throughout the year, but before December, of concerns about what needs and issues should be on the agenda to be discussed and voted on during the in-person meeting.