Respect is one of the most essential, if understated, ingredients in democracy.  We simply cannot function without it. Our civilization, our social order, and our government only work because enough citizens are interested in the greater good, believe we have a common identity, and are respectful of one another. 

I had the privilege of serving 20 years in the United States Navy, where I told my sailors essentially the same thing. We had our ranks, of course, but it was deep and abiding interpersonal respect up and down the chain of command that allowed my units to function well. Before we were “Chiefs” or “Commanders” we were war fighters, we were Americans, and we had each other’s backs. We were family. 

I now have the privilege of serving as your Town Moderator, and I must say that it has been a unique experience to grow up here, take a multi-decade journey, and come back. I see service all around me. There are so many working to run and make this town better: the selectmen, the teachers, the town hall, the fire department, the road agents, the police officers, the administrators, volunteers, curators, transfer station operators, restaurant owners…. There are too many to list. Suffice it to say I am deeply impressed. 

So, as the relative newcomer, I ask for your help in ensuring a respectful tone for our business session on Tuesday, March 8.  My goal is a smooth, civil, and effective meeting where all voices from the legislative body (you) may be heard with equal regard. There are a few things worth keeping in mind to make that happen:

• Our compatriots deserve the benefit of the doubt. Nearly everyone coming to the Town Meeting is performing a civic duty. Few come for fun. 
• Disagreements are natural, part of working together, and can lead to greater common solutions. Alternative views are valuable. 
• Personal attacks, however, are like sand in the gears. They degrade the “machinery” of democracy and make moving forward harder – no one benefits. 
• Our right to free speech is sacrosanct.  We may forget that our interruptions, outbursts, and other disruptions deprive others of that same right. 
• Our voices are equal. 

This will be the first in-person meeting since March 2020, and I will do my absolute best to run it fairly and dispassionately for you.  Everyone will get their say.  Consider that I “have your back” there.  

When disagreements arise – and they will – I would ask you to have my back by helping keep the tone respectful.  We are a small, interdependent community, and whatever happens at the meeting, the day after we will go right back to relying on one another.