Letters to the Editor-Dave Fuller Running for Three Year Select Board Seat
Letter to the Editor,
My name is David T Fuller and I have served my town of Weathersfield in a number of capacities previously. ( Selectboard-School Board and Emergency Mgt person during 2011-- Tropical Storm Irene). I am now a candidate for the 3 year seat on the Selectboard and ask for your vote on Mar 5th 2019.
I have farmed here since 1977, my father served before me and now my daughter is on the ballot for the School Board, marking 3 generations of family public service.
One of the greatest joys of this for me ---is meeting people I normally would not and for that I am grateful. Nothing to do with politics, new friendships.
Having said that, I am troubled by the direction and path taken to merge our 2 volunteer fire departments. The Town’s Selectboard’s timeline of motions/actions, even on their own story page ( town website) did not foster consensus on this issue.
And there is none. One department has said “ yes” ---One has voted “ no”.
It has been portrayed as a no-brainer. Not costing any more money, even with a new -$112K fire chief , who will according to the documents be selected in the end , solely by the Town Manager and as a new department head—under only the Town Manager for review. The Selectboard only hires a Town Manager.
I think it very important that all of our volunteer fire people think about that again.
Presently, they can and do democratically control their own internal destiny. I have read the Wood report and was part of the initial act to study the fire services of the Town. It is not the Bible. It is a piece of information that we can use. It did not say to form a Municipal Fire department. It has several options and suggestions.
In my years of serving the Town, I have seen a number of “gifts” and arrangements that the Town has made with conditions. With something this important, there can be none. I have no problem talking about a single fire department, but will not be part of bulldozing over one to get to another. You simply cannot get any agreement by meeting separately and talking about it later to each other which is what has happened here. During Irene, I was part of a 10-15 person team that met every morning at 8am. All at the same table—All at the same time.
We will have a chance to vote on this as Article 9 on the Warning March 5 2019.
There are several important issues that the Town will also take up this year that I have past knowledge of. I want to help resolve these so that the results can 1. Be easily explained and 2. Are equitable to all landowners in the town.
I ask for your vote and confidence in my ability.
Thank You David T Fuller
David Fuller is running for the three year Weathersfield Select Board seat. Voting is by Australian Ballot at Martin Memorial Hall on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Questions about voting, please contact the Town Clerk:
802-674-9500
email: townclerk@weathersfield.org
Editor's Note: "Letters to the Editor" express opinions and ideas of the author and do not not necessarily reflect the opinions and ideas of this blog.