It is sad to see another valuable, respected volunteer resign because of disagreements over the interpretation of town process. Joe Theriault’s resignation [from the Harvard Historical Commission and town Board of Assessors last month] adds to the growing number of highly qualified volunteers, good people, and hardworking residents who have walked away after perceiving the decision-making process as negative and demeaning. It is hard not to see the current atmosphere surrounding disagreements as a failure of civility.
Most people are willing to accept respectful criticism that comes with recognition of the time and effort it takes to serve. It appears to many that the selectmen sometimes operate with a heavy hand. The root causes of the issues and disagreements are fundamental flaws in how we have structured the relationships between the selectmen and the various town boards and committees.
The League of Women Voters researched and wrote the Lexicon, a document that describes in detail the responsibilities of town boards and committees, in 1992. The current petition to establish a charter commission would, at a minimum, require researching all the existing roles and responsibilities and provide an up-to-date understanding of insufficiencies and opportunities.
Without clarity in our processes and responsibilities, we may continue to see good people vacate volunteer opportunities. We may continue to see talented and highly qualified citizens discouraged from seeking positions.
It may be premature to forge ahead with a charter commission, given there is little time to prepare for such an arduous and important process, but we should start now to prepare for the question, if not in 2016 then in 2017.
With the possibility of a commission to examine the workings of town government, let’s hope we engage all voices to bring a new era of civility to Harvard.
Marge Darby
Ayer Road
