The discussion that ensued around a proposed revision to the mission statement at the Sept. 25 meeting of the Joint Boards of Selectmen (JBOS) revealed frustration among members, selectmen from the so-called Devens “stakeholder” towns of Ayer, Harvard, and Shirley.
When Ayer Selectman Gary Luca suggested that the governance of the Devens Regional Enterprise Zone (DREZ) be removed from MassDevelopment’s authority and replaced with authority by the so-called “stakeholder” towns (Harvard, Ayer, and Shirley), Shirley Selectwoman Kendra Dumont objected, saying that the JBOS wasn’t “getting anywhere.” “We’re not accomplishing anything,” she said. “I’m the only one from Shirley who is still willing to attend this meeting.” She pointed out that the group had been unable to reach agreement even on regionalizing recreational services.
Harvard Selectman Ron Ricci wondered aloud, “Why are we coming here?” and Selectman Peter Warren said, “I’m flabbergasted that I’ve been here for two years and nothing is done.”
Ayer Selectman Frank Maxant asserted that the only way to do business with the state was to reach above MassDevelopment’s authority and “work directly with the governor or his immediate staff,” which prompted Harvard Selectman Bill Johnson to ask, “If the governor came here, what would we tell him?”
Ayer Selectwoman Carolyn McCreary agreed with Johnson, saying, “We don’t have a mission, a vision, or an agenda.”
Finally, after a lengthy discussion, McCreary concluded, “Vicksburg Square is where we are” at the moment, and suggested that the board focus over the next months on helping Trinity Financial promote the Vicksburg Square project in the three towns, bringing the board to a short-term mission they could agree on.
The board took no action on the proposed revision to the JBOS mission statement.
