VALUE for our VOTES – the determiners on the dais!
With the recent swearing in of Troy Purnell, as Council representative for Berlin MD District I we now have, for the first time since May, our full complement of “determiners” on the dais. It is to be hoped that combined with the intense energy of our other new Councilmember Lisa Hall, Mr. Purnell’s knowledge and business experience will help Berlin move forward. Add to that mix the dramatic authority revitalization of the Berlin Utility Commission and we may perhaps finally resolve several of the most long-standing, critical issues…those pertaining to our Town utilities – wastewater treatment and the successful operation of the Berlin Electric Company. The ultimate result though must be based on value.
As is custom, near the conclusion of each Town meeting the Town Administrator reads off a list of Purchase Orders to be approved by the Council. My understanding is that any purchase over the amount of $1,000 is to be brought forth and voted upon before the public. Actually seldom is any expenditure questioned although the totals bi-monthly may run into the tens of thousands of dollars. On occasion however, my favorite fiscal “watchdog”, Councilperson Paula Lynch, will ask if a contract was let out for open bid, question the particular reason for the expense or evaluate the inherent VALUE afforded. She will even sit and hypothetically add and subtract items like the good bookkeeper that she is. I like this line of questioning – it’s what we do in our homes, with our own budgets in order to meet current and future needs. It’s what we must do with our businesses – in order to make a profit, or these days, to even stay solvent. I consider it a huge value that I’m getting this same level of intense scrutiny in the Town budget funded with my tax dollars.
In these times and with the Town elections now behind us, it’s time to ask, and yes – even demand, for that much promised VALUE for our votes! We are owed just that!
