Bellicose Bumpkin

This Blog and the Comments attached are often full of anger directed at Town Officials and Town Employees. People are questioning salaries, benefits, and job performance. Sometimes the complaints extend beyond Middleboro to state and occasionally federal officials. The comments will often make note of the difference between the public and private sector. At times, these statements are angry and have a “this needs to be changed’ point of view.

I wanted to remind everyone that a Democracy is a PARTICIPATION SPORT! Everyone wants to criticize but nobody wants to get off the couch and make a change. YOU can help by getting involved. I don’t mean voting in an election once or twice a year or coming to the occasional Town Meeting. I mean running for a town office or putting your name into be appointed on one of the many town committees in our community.

The immediate response is “I don’t have the time”. Take a look around and see what is available, I think you might be amazed at the small amount of time you need to commit. This year alone, Middleboro has open slots on the Finance Committee and Parks and Recreations Committee. Those are just the elected offices that have openings, I am certain there are committees that need appointed help! Just take a quick glance through the town book.

I know they next question to be made is, ok Rich- why don’t you run? A fair and valid question, but I think I am doing my part. Prior to coming to Middleboro, I spent 6 years on an appointed Finance Committee followed by 6 years elected to a School Committee. Since coming to town, I have sat on the Superintendent’s Search Committee, did 2 terms on the School Council, been working with Casinofacts, Casino Free Mass and currently working on the override campaign in Middleboro. I also sit on the Board of Directors for Middleboro Youth Soccer. Running for office hasn’t been a priority for me. Who knows what the future holds?

I have the greatest respect for anyone willing to put their name forward to run for office. Never mind the time or resources you need to campaign, the sheer act of putting your name on a ballot for people to choose or not choose you is one of the greatest acts of courage a person could ever do. I have had my fair share of complaints with members of the Board of Selectmen, but I do respect their willingness to serve our town.

Everyone has responsibilities and commitments that burden us each and every day. We need people to become active participants in Town Government. Don’t sit on the sidelines and complain! GET INVOLVED! You don’t like how the benefits are structured; run for office and help negotiate the contract. Don’t like how the town spends money; ask to sit on the Finance Committee. Don’t like how the schools are being run; ask to sit on the Superintendent Search Committee.

When you sit at home and write a comment, it may feel good to get it off your chest, but we need you to stand up and be a part of finding the solution!

Thanks