Entering Falmouth

Taking the long view

In science, it’s called a “longitudinal study,” where developmental trends are tracked over many decades, or even a lifetime.  For policy wonks like me, it’s called “taking the long view,” meaning stepping back and looking at an entire body of work or the lasting impact of a program or person.  In public life, sometimes our leaders forget these important concepts, and make what many consider snap judgments, just to prove a political point.  When people, first-rate people, are on the other end of short-sighted maneuvers like that, good things rarely happen. 

Back to the long view.  I was chatting with my sister Tara this week about her experiences in third grade at East Falmouth School.  Our dad had passed the previous year, and she was struggling – for answers, for direction, and for some meaning and smiles in her young life.  Her teacher from the previous year saw Tara searching for something to cling to and handed her a tennis racket.  He spent time – his own time – over many days and months, teaching, coaching and helping her.  She practiced constantly in our backyard preparing for an after school tournament where the prize was a brand new Wilson racket.  I can still hear the tennis ball bouncing against the back of the garage as Tara channeled every bit of eight-year-old focus and energy she could muster into developing her skills.  It paid off.  She won the tourney, and still cherishes that racket as a symbol of how that game – and that teacher – made a difference during that most difficult time.  Through that kindness, she developed a lifelong love of the sport, and has passed it along to her four children – a legacy of sorts from the benevolence and gentle guidance of a caring teacher and thoughtful man.  Taking the long view, it’s pretty easy to see the positive and long-lasting impact this teacher had.

Years later, in my first job in the Public Affairs Office at the 102^nd Fighter Wing on Otis, that same man served as the Public Affairs Officer and helped me, guided me actually, into honing and developing writing skills that today help me share my thoughts on this page every week.  He was busy preparing and editing the monthly newsletter, called the “Seagull,” but took the time to sit with me and give me some pointers on writing.  Although this impact was a bit less profound that Tara’s experience, it helps place another piece to the mosaic of the life of this man, who has, I’m sure, touched many lives like those of these two Clarkson kids, for no other reason than to show kindness and compassion to another human being.

Although these two examples do not constitute a longitudinal study for scientific purposes, they certainly offer pretty solid evidence for the court of public opinion on the assured “good guy” status of this Falmouthite. I know him as the former PAO of the 102^nd.  Tara knows him as her second grade teacher.  You know him as Rich Sherman, long-time director of the Falmouth Road Race, financial planner, and all-around good guy.  Along with his co-directors, Rich was at the helm as Falmouth grew from a neighborhood bar crawl to the premier road race in the nation, all the while donating large sums to charity and this community over the years, and helping to raise millions for non-profits through sponsorship, donated numbers, and publicity. 

Given that history of good citizenship and good-guyness, the recent comments at a Selectmen’s meeting openly questioning Rich’s motives and authenticity when proposing a Flag Day road race, were at best, not taking the long view, and, at worst, a dreadful display of nastiness that indeed has no place in this “no place for hate” community.

I was pleased to see Rich attend a subsequent meeting to publicly challenge those unfortunate comments.  What I didn’t see was any sort of remorse from the corner conference table. On behalf of a grateful community,  I’ll offer it then.  Rich, Falmouth appreciates your efforts, your dedication, and your kindness.  We take the long view.  I wish everyone did.

Embracing Change - Like Meathead Did

We could learn a little from the Meathead

     Rob Reiner, back row, learned, so can Falmouth.One of the most memorable episodes of the iconic sitcom “All in the Family” for me was when Archie and his son-in-law, Mike the Meathead were discussing the all-important question of socks and shoes.  Archie insisted that the whole world gets dressed by putting on a sock and a sock, then a shoe and a shoe, and expressed his outrage as he witnessed Meathead put on a sock and a shoe then a sock and a shoe.  Archie opined that if the house caught fire, at least he’d run out with two socks on. 

The Meathead countered by noting that with his method, he could hop around with a sock and a shoe, and keep one foot dry.  Meathead acquiesced.  He changed his position.  He smashed his paradigm.  He accepted that maybe, there’s a better way. 

We could learn a little from the Meathead with a few issues bouncing around our local discourse these days.  Sometimes, a different way of doing things can actually be good.

Take our trash, for instance.  The current debate about transitioning to a “pay as you throw” system, where residents would dispose of trash through a new system by paying on a per-bag basis sounds like just another hidden tax, but it actually has proven to be an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible program in other communities, resulting in an increase in recycling and lower disposal costs. 

In Falmouth, we spend nearly $3 million annually to dispose of our trash – another way to put this shoe on is certainly worth a try.  The Board of Selectmen will be giving this issue serious consideration in the next few months.  I’ve got to find a way to suggest channeling their inner Meathead and giving this new way serious consideration. 

Speaking of giving consideration to new things, it was great to see the Planning Board and Board of Appeals embrace the plans for a new mini-golf and ice cream development on Main Street at the end of Lantern Lane.  The improvements at the site will help anchor the continued revitalization of the East end of Main Street and will provide yet another reason to spend time in our downtown. 

Property owner Daren McDonald has spent the last couple of decades helping make Falmouth more beautiful, one lawn, one property at a time.  He has built today’s landscape and paving conglomerate out of yesterday’s pickup and a couple of lawnmowers.  This didn’t happen by not being a reliable professional.  I can remember when current Headquarters for Clover Landscape and Monument was the “Carribean Connection,” and a pizza place before that.  Daren, along with his brothers Greg and Kurt, transformed that property into the best Davis Straits has to offer.  I’m sure he’ll take that green thumb and commitment to excellence to the property on Main Street. 

The same Meathead enlightenment can also be applied to the current discussion on whether to create the position of a Finance Director in Town Hall.  I can most certainly understand, and actually agree with the Finance Committee’s concern that their staff support will dwindle with the advent of a position advising the Town Manager and Selectmen, and not simply the Finance Committee, but with the complexities of modern municipal finance, and a budget of more than $100 million, the expertise that will be available will most certainly make a difference. Continuing to provide support for our volunteer financial watchdogs, though, must continue to be a priority.  

Before our new Town Manager began his tenure, some suggested that one of his first orders of business be to reach out to the Finance Committee.  Now would be a good time to heed that advice and make believers out of that group of the town’s most trusted financial advisors. 

The Meathead embraced change.  So can we.

Falmouth's Uncle Buck Fulfills A Dream

Breakfast at Boxcar's.

“Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see our troubles are all the same.  You wanna go where everybody knows your name. You wanna go where people know, people are all the same.  You wanna go where everybody knows your name.” 

That familiar ditty, which entertained us for a generation and conjures up images of smiling faces greeting old friends and new patrons, captures just how I felt as I walked into Box Car’s Diner, native Falmouthite Ron Braga’s new venture at the four corners in North Falmouth this week.  I went for breakfast on Monday with another local, longtime pal Rick Corey, and we were greeted warmly by Ronnie and his sister Darlene, who ably splits her time between an efficient and cheerful operation taking orders and bantering with customers, and helping out on the grill, creating hot, delicious meals for hungry Falmouthites.

Boxcar's Diner owner Ron "Uncle Buck" Braga and sister Darlene.

Box Car’s has been the site of an eatery at the corner of County and Old Main Roads for generations.  The North Falmouth Diner was a comfortable and familiar family spot for many years, offering good, plentiful, home-cooked meals at reasonable prices.  After closing a few years back, the second generation of the Tin Man made a revival, but recently closed as well.  Enter entrepreneur Ron, who has made a career of satisfying hungry Falmouthites.  In addition to possessing great comedic talent and the ability to perform the best Rodney Dangerfield imitation I’ve seen, Ron was a fixture for years at the Falmouth Ice Arena, immortalizing the famed “Braga Burger” and entertaining countless young skaters and their families.  More recently, he took his grill and show on the road, filling bellies and warming hearts with his entertaining stories and one-liners at the Commodores games at Fuller Field.  One summer about fifteen years ago during the street fair, Ron and I teamed up to sell cool lemonade on a blisteringly hot summer day, a seemingly can’t-lose proposition.  We coined our libation “Two Fat Guys Lemonade,” and offered the apparently winning slogan, “Drink it and you won’t look like us.”  I’ll take the blame for that one not setting and records.  Since then, Ron and I have lost a bit of our robust figures,  and he is now firmly planted at Box Car’s, offering good home-cooked meals and his ever-present laugh. 

This however, is not a column on my delicious breakfast.  It’s not restaurant review, although the meat lover’s omelet lived up to its moniker, with light, fluffy eggs packed with ham, bacon, sausage, and cheese in a piping hot foldover, accompanied by moist and crispy home fries.  Rick and I split an order of Texas-toast French toast, which was grilled to perfection, sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar, and literally melted in my very satisfied mouth.  This is a chronicle of a hard-working local fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning a diner and highlighting that it’s great to see good guys succeed, and Ron Braga is indeed that good guy succeeding.

His good-guyness has played out for more than thirty years on the playing fields and rinks of Falmouth and Cape Cod, where Ron has logged thousands of hours as an umpire, coach, volunteer, and most recently, as a member of Falmouth’s Recreation Committee.  He is synonymous with youth sports and setting a positive tone and good foundation for the young people in our community. Today, despite the busy and hectic schedule he’s adopted with owning a diner, selling used cars, and managing a catering facility on the MMR, he still gives back, logging more hours as the assistant hockey coach at Pope John Paul II High School. 

I’ll be back again and again at Box Car’s, and not just because the food was extraordinary and the service was exceptional.  I’ll be back because it’s important – and the right thing to do – to support a local who has given so much and never asked for anything in return.

My kids lovingly call Ron Braga “Uncle Buck,” after the affable and endearing comical figure in the legendary John Candy movie. You couldn’t help but root for UB in that movie, and things did indeed work out in the end.  Join me in rooting for Falmouth’s Uncle Buck, Ron Braga, and wish a local guy – a good guy – the best as he fulfills a dream. 

Bill's Staircase

Congressman Bill Keating - A Committed Public Servant with a Vision

As I sat at the Daily Brew with a cup of delicious house blend and a paper on Sunday and awaited my guest, I made a list in my head of the people whom I’ve met in nearly 20 years in local government with whom I’d feel comfortable just chatting over a cup of coffee. 

After spending the next hour and a half with Congressman Bill Keating, I reaffirmed why he was and still is at the top of that list.  To spend just a couple of minutes with our United States Representative is like getting a shot in the arm of confidence in our Congress and our nation. 

With so much negativity, infighting and gridlock dominating the news cycle, it is refreshing to hear from a committed and passionate public servant who has a vision – and an ability to sincerely articulate it. 

During our visit, Bill was not only able to discuss his first year as our Congressman, he took me on his journey with him, talking about his “fast-paced” and “satisfying” first year navigating the halls of the Capitol, and how living life in whirlwind fifteen minute intervals can cause you to be a bit introspective when you finally have the chance to breathe.  Yes, this fella is so very much more than the bombast and bluster of many politicians these days; this public servant is there for all the right reasons.

Bill gave me, and knowing I’d be writing, all of us, an insight into the philosophy and passion that drives his hectic schedule.  “The American Dream is an opportunity, not an entitlement,” he said.  “You have to earn it,” he continued, his enthusiasm twinkling in his eyes. He likened the American Dream, which he acknowledged is becoming ever more elusive, with home ownership and college tuition costs prohibitive for many middle class Americans, to a staircase. 

He explained that some start at the top, some in the middle, and indeed, some at the bottom.  “Some have more flights to climb,” he explained, “and my job is to help keep it open.” With that simple but powerful metaphor as the core of his vision, he has worked for his first year in Washington D.C. to do just that. 

“We’ve been through wars, 9-11, and a major recession, but this is one of the most important times in our history.  Our hope and opportunity as a nation is at stake.  We’ve got to keep the staircase open.”  Normally, when a politician says something like that, the common reaction is a roll of the eyes and a sterile acknowledgement.  When Bill said it, though, it was clear he meant it – and then he put in plain words what he’s doing about it. 

He explained that 65 percent of job creation is accomplished by small business, and how his work on the Small Business Committee is working to enhance loans for startup and “incubator” businesses.  Not handouts, but seed money, to help entrepreneurs boost themselves up a couple of stairs on the staircase, not shoot them to the top on an escalator.

He talked about a  last State of the Union Speech, and how the President talked about using former military bases as economic engines, then explained how he and others did it, convincing the military to finally seal the deal on the sale of portions of the former Weymouth Naval Air Station. 

He Talked of his involvement with the “Agree” Act, an initiative sponsored by four freshman legislators – two Senators and two Representatives – two of them Democrats and two Republicans, designed to provide small business capital and encourage job growth – again, a chance to climb a couple of flights of stairs.  Imagine that. 

A press release on the bill notes that it is, “A bill that breaks through the partisan gridlock of Washington and focuses on policy proposals that democrats and republicans can agree on to support job creation in America.” What a novel idea.  What a relief to have a man – a leader – in places who understands and believes that.

After an engaging and interesting chat, our coffees were empty and it was time for Bill to make his next stop.  As I left the Daily Brew, and stepped down the staircase, I looked down at the stairs and smiled, and appreciated each step I took.  I’ll probably never look at a staircase the same again.

A New Falmouth Lexicon

My friend Jack likes to challenge me with vocabulary words.  A well spoken and accomplished wordsmith himself, Jack enjoys sending me challenging words to see if I can use them in a sentence.  That got me to thinking, why not create our own Falmouth vocabulary that only we Falmouthites will comprehend, use, and appreciate?  If Denver Bronco fans and followers of Tim Tebow around the globe can coin and use the term “Tebowing” to signify kneeling on one knee and praying, then we here in Falmouth can certainly develop a lingo that is uniquely ours as well. 

In that spirit of linguistic inventiveness, I have developed a couple of additions to our local lexicon. Feel free to use them liberally and by all means, add a few of your own. Here goes:

•  Doing the Rifkin – to practice free speech and civil, polite protest on a regular basis.  “Every Saturday, you can spot many Falmouthites doing the Rifkin in front of the Post Office.”  This phrase is coined after the tireless efforts of long time local activist and breakfast purveyor extraordinaire Paul Rifkin whose photo on the right is from the Occupy Falmouth's demonstration in October at the Bank of America building.
• Wilburing – A close relative to the previous and slightly more urban term, this equates to peaceful protestation as well, but on a tree stump rather than a sidewalk.
• Having Wayno – Similar to the political term gravitas with a comedic twist, this is the Falmouth version of having skill and wit when communicating with others.  “Chief Riello frequently has some Wayno when he speaks at Town Meeting.”  This is an homage to local celebrity comic and anti-bullying crusader Wayne Soares. 
• Maroon 5 – An affectionate term for the success-prone hoopsters from Falmouth High School.  “What a pleasure to watch fearless and amazing point guard Andrew McGill lead the Maroon 5 to certain triumph this season.”
• Being Houghed – This one may require a little coaching.  Rhyming with “buffed,” this term is for those who have the privilege and good fortune of a mention in the Enterprise.  “Everyone likes to be houghed once in a while.”  Many thanks to publisher Bill Hough for this one.
• Getting Driscolled – Speaking of the success at FHS, this term captures the essence of being under the watchful eye – and potential penance – of the no-nonsense Joe Driscoll - the effective, successful, and admired principal at FHS.  “The kids who misbehaved on New Year’s Eve are sure to get Driscolled when they return to school.”  
• Flynnish – An adjective describing wisdom, experience and patience in the comportment of public officials, a tribute to veteran Selectman Mary “Pat” Flynn.  “Sometimes, I hear residents remarking that the debate in town should be a bit more Flynnish.” 
• Valielaly – The adverb cohort of Flynnish, describing wise and experienced public debate.  “I appreciate when Town Meeting members present their arguments Valielaly.”  That one rolls off the tongue with some difficulty, but has a nice ring to it.  Try it three times fast. Thanks to the service of old friend and steadfast civic volunteer Virginia Valiela for that one.

Speaking of resolute, civic-minded Falmouthites, the next couple of terms deserve a place in our lexicon:

• Nettoed – being stung by forceful, but accurate and convincing local history leading to a sound decision.  “The discussion was headed down a bad path, but the speaker got Nettoed and the momentum changed.” Having experienced this myself a few times, this, of course, is the creation of former Watchman of the Warrant Joe Netto. 
• Marshalled – Unlike its already in-use homonym, this term, created due to the devoted service of former Finance Committee Chair and current ferry overseer Bob Marshall, means coming under the calming influence of a seasoned leader.  “The Steamship Authority was marshalled into a calm and thriving era.” 

I think that’s probably a good start.  I’ve got to try to muster up a little wayno for what I hope is a flynnish day at work tomorrow.  I haven’t quite figured out a way to marshall my colleagues yet. How’s that, Jack?

Falmouth 2012 - Predictions and Predicaments

As the decorations come off the trees and the village green assumes its more pedestrian appearance; as the lines at the return counters subside and the battle for parking spaces takes a more casual feel, the fading memories of another Falmouth Christmas become superimposed with visions of the new year.  2012 promises to be another year of interest here in the land of Bartholomew Gosnold, and here are some predictions for the annum at our doorstep:

As the new year ticks by on the calendar, the Board of Library Trustees and the Falmouth Veterans’ Council announce a compromise to the long-standing dispute over control of the library lawn.  The compromise is reached by the groups agreeing to an arm-wrestling contest between Otis Porter and Ahmed Mustafa, the respective Chairmen of the bodies.  Although the results of the bout are not publicized and are the subject of a gag order, Porter is seen at his part-time job at the Police Department sporting  a Popeye tattoo on his forearm.   

As the Spring winds begin to gust, so too does the burgeoning debate on the status of the defunct and decrepit beach trailer behind the DPW Building on Gifford Street.  After declining to name it the official Town Manager’s residence ending any discussion of a residency requirement, the Board of Selectmen, acting as the Board of Public Works, declare the trailer to be of historical significance and agree to purchase it from themselves for $375,000 using Community Preservation funds.  The Board decrees that the trailer be placed on the front lawn of the Odd Fellows Hall in Town Hall Square to co-locate it with other expensive but not very useful buildings. 

In May, Selectman Melissa Freitag narrowly wins a second term, squeaking by the all-female field of previous candidates Catherine “Darling of Precinct One” Bumpus and Sheryl “I can muster some bluster” Kozens-Long.  During the League of Women Voters Candidates’ night, Freitag sparks a town-wide discussion,  referring to herself as “the Professor” because of her teaching job at Cape Cod Community College.  Although the remark itself is seen as innocuous, the debate rages on just who she meant when referring to the other two candidates as “Ginger and Mary Ann.”  The timeless debate of Ginger or Mary Ann persists well after the election, and makes its way to the Selectmen’s meetings, where Selectman Kevin Murphy objects to the moniker of “Skipper,” but nonetheless hits Selectman David “Gilligan” Braga repeatedly over the head with this cap. 

In the November election, State Representative Tim Madden sails to a third term and easy victory, nonetheless sparking controversy referring to his colleague, Representative David Vieira,  as “the little guy.”  Incensed by the remarks and following the lead of Library Trustee Porter, who is now seen donning  white t-shirts with packs of cigarettes rolled up on one sleeve and imitating Bowser from Sha-Na-Na,  Vieira challenges Madden to a public debate followed by a WWE-style wrestling match in the Antonucci Field House at Falmouth High School.  Vieira is outmatched my the more robust Madden, and is close to being tagged with the “little man” title forever, until he tags octogenarian activist Andy Dufresne, who jumps on the top rope of the ring, does a Randy “Macho Man” Savage imitation, and puts Madden out for the count.  Given his new-found popularity, Vieira also sails to an easy victory and a second term, but is subjected to criticism for wearing a cape and “macho man” sunglasses to Town Meeting.   

As the year winds down, Police Chief Anthony Riello announces his retirement, but offers a tandem announcement that he is staying in Falmouth rather than returning to his hometown of Pittsfield.  The Mass Department of Transportation objects, noting the potential precipitous drop in toll revenue on the Mass Pike.  Riello elects to open a comedy club with himself as the headliner and makes news on his debut evening, when former Constable George Morse etches “your jokes aren’t funny” on all drinking glasses in the club.

The year ends as it began, with Falmouth being a pretty nice place to live and laugh.  Here’s hoping to plenty of both in 2012. 

Under the Falmouth Tree

My Santas' List for Falmouthites

The spirit of the season is indeed flowing through our streets and villages.  Making memories Clarkson style, Barb, Syd, Jenna and I took a ride to Heritage Circle over the weekend, with sister Dena and new addition Scuba Steve Long in tow and marveled at the light-o-rama display offered festively by the Afonso and Eddy families. 

Our beautiful Nobska decked out for ChristmaMany thanks to those Clark Griswold emulators for bringing some Christmas cheer to all Falmouthites.  Our next stop was Deepwood Drive, another Falmouth hotspot for holiday displays, and the neighbors there did not disappoint. 

Those neighbors get a warm Christmas thanks as well.  Similar kudos go to newly installed Parks Super Rocky Gomes, who properly festooned the Village Green in the tradition of his able mentor,  Brian Dale.  That epicenter of our downtown was our next stop.  We enjoyed a hot chocolate and family tradition twirling under the flagpole looking up at the stunning blue lights. I think I’m still a bit dizzy.

That family tradition of riding around and looking at lights in many villages brought to mind many of the Falmouthites that live in those villages and my thoughts for them and what I hope they find under their tree on Sunday.  Here then, are my suggestions for Santa and my suggestions for gifts under the Falmouth tree:

For old friend and one-time Chinese restaurant crooner Eddie Marks, a winter and a new year filled with energy and good health. 

For my rarely exanimate and newly loquacious pal KJ Weber, a thesaurus to identify more impressive words; for my grateful friend Diane Crosby, more warmth of the love of friends and hopes of joyful tomorrows; and for transplanted Falmouthite Roy Herzig, day after day filled with gratitude.

My “Capeable” friend Jack Loughman is sure to have a delivery of something special for his man cave.  I’ve already spoken to the red-suited gift –giver, and asked him to bring success and a big Falmouth welcome for the 40^th Falmouth Road Race and its new director, Dave McGillvary 0n right.

I had some pizza left from a get-together at work this Wednesday, so I stopped by the Falmouth PD on the way home this week to drop off and offer some delicious cheer to our fellas in blue, and left with ideas for Santa’s list.   

Here’s hoping Santa leaves Tom Maguire the opportunity for providing a friend with 30 cold ones and a bag of Chinese food,  Scott Hartzler the keys to a new Frito delivery truck, and Rob Curtis some cold weather to put the finishing touches on his backyard rink. 

I didn’t see my long-time buddy Percy Kennedy during my visit to 750 Main, but I do hope that Santa brings him some peace and tranquility, and the comfort of a lifetime of family memories.

When Santa tunes up the GPS and heads over to North Falmouth, I’m suggesting he leave a heaping package of success for one of my favorite Falmouthites, Ron “Uncle Buck” Braga.  I’m hoping that the jolly old guy (Santa, that is) stops at Boxcar’s Diner and enjoys a Braga Burger or two.  I’m counting on a few of those myself, washed down with some “Two Fat Guys” lemonade in the new year.  

I hope to see Selectman Kevin Murphy for a bite there, enjoying a couple of burgers himself and laughs with able counter maven,  Ronnie’s sister Darlene.   Speaking of culinary success, Santa will I’m sure bring something special, perhaps a corn and linguica chowder recipe for extraordinary caterer Sean Daley in recognition of his wonderful work supporting the Police Athletic League.

If the gift guru can package some good health and happiness,  He’d do well to drop off a few at the home of Town Clerk Michael Palmer.  If athletic success can be tied up in a bow, the Mayor of the North Pole should shimmy down the chimney of Coaches Steve Femino and Janey Norton, and bring our football and field hockey teams much success in 2012.  If he left a couple of pairs of New Balance running shoes under the tree of track coach Bill Kulis, I’m sure that enitre team would smile as well.

A warm hat for his Saturday morning civic duties and continued sharp eye for photography are an appropriate offering for pal Paul Rifkin.  Civic duty and diligence will bring Jude Wilber the gift of satisfaction and vindication from Santa, and old friend Pat Flynn will open Santa’s best effort at smooth sailing – of the governmental variety. 

If the big fella can get around the world in one night, he can surely delivery on these modest requests.  My best to you all for a wonderful, happy, and very merry Christmas.

Woodrow Wilson's Legacy in Falmouth

Charter Review - A Chance for Citizen Input

In addition to being our 28^th President, Woodrow Wilson is also distinguished as the father of public administration.  He was President of Princeton University before he took on the free world as his classroom, and as the only President with an earned PhD, he was the first to explore public administration, that is, the peoples’ business as a professional pursuit, as a legitimate and important field of study. 

Much of what politicians, public servants, and pundits alike debate and discuss today has its roots in the Wilsonian study of public administration. In considering the status of the administration of government a century ago, Wilson noted that, “There is scarcely a single duty of government which was once simple which is not now complex; government once had but a few masters; it now has scores of masters. Majorities formerly only underwent government; they now conduct government. Where government once might follow the whims of a court, it must now follow the views of a nation.”

His thoughts on the ever-expanding complexity of government and the need for competent professionals to manage its many facets and figures, rings true yet today. 

In fact, on the local level, particularly here in New England, where our Town Meeting-based governments keep the democratic process truly democratic, the task of public administrators has become more complex and much more of a balancing act between management and leadership.  

The seeming incongruity between a fully democratic governing process and professional oversight of the peoples’ business is actually based in a learned skill of harmonizing the rights and desires of citizens to have access to decisions and doing the homework and effectively communicating to help lead them to good results.

Here in Falmouth, seeking that balance and determining the roles and responsibilities of our public administrators has once again landed on the “to-do” list of our Charter Review Committee.  In accordance with our town charter, our blueprint for running our local government, the document and the framework it created must be reviewed every seven years.  This is the third such review since our iteration of local democracy was created in 1990 and implemented the following year. 

The previous reviews in 1997 and 2004 resulted in minor tweaks to the charter, but improvements nonetheless.  Based on the content and tenor of local discussions in the last couple of years, this septennial review is likely to produce more robust proposals that have the potential to have a significant impact on the way we’re governed.  Wilson also noted that, “It is getting to be harder to run a constitution than to frame one.”  Indeed.  Running a government is a daunting and complex undertaking.  The task to determine that method of governing is as well.

I’m not advocating at this point for a slap-dash rush to a mayoral conclusion...
just planting the seed.A few years ago, I discussed this discourse in one of my columns, noting that, “When the wave swept across Massachusetts a couple of decades ago and the realization that full-time boards of selectmen needed to yield to professional managers, Falmouth came a little late to the party, waiting until 1991 to finally usher in an era of change and modernization. With similar sized communities now having made the transition to mayor or considering it, isn't now the time to at least open a dialogue and debate the opportunities in having a single, accountable person at the helm of our local government and its $100 million budget?

I not only write on our local goings-on each week, I listen. I listen to the people who offer their thoughts, from the post office to the box office, from the barber shop to the body shop. People from all walks of life have been in a funk when it comes to Town Hall for some time, and I'm finally realizing that it just may very well be that the time has come to vest our confidence and trust in a single individual.

Falmouth is bound by its charter to re-examine its form of government every seven years but is not precluded from doing so more often. Our last local review was a somewhat cursory glance at our government blueprint, resulting in a few semantic changes that had little impact on the everyday lives of Falmouthites. Having a mayor to call on when the streets need plowing would.”  Those thoughts offered about a thousand days ago are most certainly relevant to the current conversation.

I’m not advocating at this point for a slap-dash rush to a mayoral conclusion, just planting the seed for a discussion as the Charter Review Committee charts its course.  When they knock on your door, send an email, or ask for your opinion at Stop & Shop, please take the time to provide your input.  Good government is based in good governance.  Good governance is based in an informed and active citizenry.

A Parade of Falmouthites

Jude's Pleasant Simple Tune

Tevye had it right.  The bumbling, but sincere and lovable hero in the legendary musical Fiddler on the Roof, summed up his philosophy of life in a concise but pithy analysis.  “Everyone of us is a Fiddler on Roof, trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck.”  Simply put, Tevye’s wisdom teaches us that each of us is simply trying to make a positive contribution, scratching out that pleasant simple tune for ourselves and others to hear in our time here, without harming ourselves, or perhaps others.  Tevye was simply doing his part to make his home, his village of Anatevka, that place with a pleasant simple tune.

Jude Wilber is like Tevye, in one sense.  In the twenty or so years I’ve known him, he has always been dedicated to making his home, his version of Anatevka – Falmouth – that place with a pleasant simple tune.  I first met Jude in the early 90’s when we were both running for Selectman.  I can still see his bright yellow van, hand-painted with “R. JUDE WILBER FOR SELECTMAN” emblazoned in bright letters on either side.  Jude was not successful in that race, but that didn’t dampen his commitment to public service – and to improving his community.  That commitment to his hometown, though, is where the similarity to Tevye ends.  Jude is no bumbling milkman.  Dr. Wilber is an accomplished scientist, a skillful writer, and a talented public policy authority.  He has donated countless hours to the betterment of our community, from more than a decade on the planning board, to his valuable stint as Chair of our coastal resources working group, to an extended tenure as an affable if not verbose elected Town Meeting Member. 

Yes, Jude has most certainly contributed to scratching out that pleasant simple tune, heard by Falmouthites for nearly a generation.  Tevye, though, talked of eeking out that tune without breaking his neck.  That’s the balance, said the milkman.  That balance for Jude, which he deftly struck for so many years, putting forth thoughts, opinions, and research solely in the public interest, was interrupted last week upon the occasion of his arrest resulting from his worthy and well publicized peaceful civil disobedience in response to the wanton and thoughtless destruction of his neighborhood at the hands of our regional public utility, NSTAR.  While it is perhaps a dramatic oversimplification to paint this picture as the Falmouth version of David and Goliath, the accuracy of that correlation rings sadly true.  Here was a citizen, peacefully but forcefully, respectfully but enthusiastically, attempting to talk some sense in some suits represented by  a transformer and a telephone pole (the electric company version of an ivory tower, perhaps), only to have his efforts drowned out by the deafening sound (deadly sound if you’re a tree) of a chain saw.  No one doubts the legal right of NSTAR to cut down trees in their easement.  No one challenges the need to keep the lines free of branches and other hazards.  What Jude, ever the scientist, was attempting to do, through measurements, photographs, and written pleadings, was simply to demonstrate to the behemoth electric monopoly that perhaps some discretion, some deference to the community, some compassion for the neighborhood, was in order.   

Since it’s the holiday season, I’ll use a quote from one of my favorite Christmas movies.  As he recovered from being kidnapped because he eliminated Christmas bonuses without telling anyone, Frank Shirley, the cranky, bottom-line obsessed boss of the Tevye-like protagonist Clark Griswold in the classic movie Christmas Vacation wisely quipped, “Sometimes, what appears to be a good idea on paper loses its luster when you see how it affects real people.”  Right on, Frank.  NSTAR’s plan to cut down trees in their easement may have looked good on a plan on a corporate conference table, but it turned out to not only lose its luster, it became downright ugly in real life.   Its impact on real people, real Falmouthites, further crumbled an already shaky image of the non-responsive utility, already reeling from a spate of recent lackluster storm responses.  

Jude recently offered to me his definition of Falmouth.  “Falmouth is a town of villages.  Villages are a collection of neighborhoods.”  He was and is standing up for his neighborhood, his village of Hatchville and his adopted hometown of Falmouth.  Our Tevye was attempting to be a Fiddler on the Roof for us all.  Shame on NSTAR for ignoring that and not simply offering to sit down and listen before cranking up the chain saws, and during this season of gratitude and neighborliness, double shame on them for drowning out Jude’s pleasant simple tune of civic dedication with their mish mashed symphony of corporate conceit.