“An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town-meeting or a vestry” —Thomas Jefferson
Letters to the Editor, no matter what newspaper features them, are always fodder for intrigue, strange ironies and unintended humor. Other times, letters to the editor are little more than rank lies, propaganda and charlatanry for “true-believers.” But for the most part, letters to the editor provide that surface-level thumbnail viewpoint of the author…for the most part.
2012 is a political year on all levels national, state and local. One such letter that inevitably piques my interest are letters to the Editor by candidates seeking office and asking for the support of the public who might elect them. I pay particular attention to such letters because running for a seat on any town leadership platform inevitably shapes a person’s public persona for better or worse.
Moreover, The Granite State has long been fraught with news stories detailing the trials, tribulations and fall-out from decisions of Select boards. Frequently, Select board actions can be so poignant as to spur reactionary legislation in Concord. Likewise, many ascribe to my view that many small towns are mere fiefdoms where local fixtures ply power for their own personal agendas and means. That, unfortunately, is a common climate for small town politics.
Yesterday the Union Leader featured a Letter To the Editor from Mr. Jim Keller who is running for a seat on the Select Board of Salem, New Hampshire. Mr. Keller’s thesis appears to suggest that the emerging complex nature of municipal government requires a level of “professional expertise.” I do not know Mr. Keller and have never met him and perhaps it was not his intent to advocate for “Hackarama.” But that was “my read.”
There might be some advantage of being degreed and well-educated, but to make it a hallmark of running for public office is more toward the tendency of exclusion. Historically problems arise in town when, “the smartest people in the room” take control nor am I suggesting that of Mr. Keller.
But one of the red flags for me is any person who uses the word “fair” when talking about fiscal issues, without defining what is meant by the use of the word. It only invites suspicion.
I looked at Mr. Keller’s website and he supports Salem to move to being an SB2 town. That is important to people and he should plainly state that. There are those who have something meaningful and positive to contribute. We should elect them. But don’t make citizens second guess what one is saying.
