To the Editor:
Mattapoisett Special Town meeting illustrated that conducting government business is about values as much as it is about taking care of business. Over the years, including Monday, November 18, Town Meeting, voters have consistently approved measures aimed at protecting the water quality in our harbor and Buzzards Bay. At Special Town meeting, though, they voted against a small $20,000 investment to buy a pump-out boat. Apparently there were concerns that the process for arriving at the proposal may have been flawed: too little communication about the proposal with town committees, businesses, and others affected by what seems to many a “no brainer.” It is regrettable that none of us there (including myself) had the presence of mind to propose an amendment to fund the proposal pending approval by a) Marine Advisory Board or b) a second vote at next year’s Annual Town Meeting after production of a suitable report. Had we done so, and if warranted, the boat could be in service at the earliest opportunity. We could have supported two fundamental values: healthy harbor and healthy governmental process.
Bonnie DeSousa
Mattapoisett
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