Civic Engagement, Political Decorum Hold Firm in North Canaan

With regard to the ongoing topic of whether or not the Town of North Canaan should consider moving certain elected positions to be hired and appointed, the past few weeks have given many leaders the opportunity to hear varying viewpoints; the pros and cons. As I mentioned in a summary letter that was sent out, following the most recent town meeting, I couldn’t help but be truly awestruck by the level of engagement and dialogue that was ever-present during that meeting. Since the decision was made to ‘table’ the concept, it allowed more time to be given to consider the many points that have been made, as well as to consider what other pathway(s) could be carved that would allow for even greater participation from the electorate; combined with a greater dissection of the proposal as a whole.

During last night’s monthly Board of Selectmen meeting, there was a genuine focus placed on our acknowledgement that this topic has garnered a diverse set of viewpoints, as well as opinions that perhaps this concept would be better served as a ballot question(s) during the upcoming election in November. Much like the route that our current cannabis regulation took, beginning as a generic concept question on the election ballot, then, if successful, moving on to the committee of cognizance for initial drafting and the facilitating of future public hearing.

As last night’s discussion amongst the Board of Selectmen went on, it was proposed that three separate ballot question be added to the town’s official municipal ballot for the upcoming election; instead of creating one large tripartite ordinance that would have encompassed all three positions; Treasurer, Town Clerk, and Tax Collector. This was another consideration that attendees at the town meeting asked for, and so we also agree. It is important to note that the process of adding questions to an election ballot will take place through the Secretary of the State’s office.

Also, as a sign of good faith and a commitment to ensure that this process is steered in a bipartisan manner, the Board of Selectmen spoke about creating a 5-member ordinance drafting committee, that would include the three seated members of the Board of Selectmen, as well as the Chairpersons of both the Republican Town Committee and the Democrat Town Committee. This is symbolic, as an extended hand and offering to ensure that if the majority of the townspeople do wish to pursue a hired/appointed option, that the ensuing process will be facilitated in a manner that is rooted in continued dialogue, partnership, and transparency.

On Election Day this November, registered voters in North Canaan will be asked to answer YES or NO to the following three questions:

Should 1 question pass, or 2, or all 3, or none at all, whatever the results may be, the outcome would then determine if in fact the 5-member committee would need to convene regarding the drafting of such an ordinance(s). Again, these questions that will be on the ballot are not the first and last cog in this wheel. All these questions are simply asking the question. If they all ‘fail’ then the commencing of a drafting committee is moot point.

I would like to thank you all again for taking the time to make your opinions known to us. This is how civic dialogue and municipal engagement should work. There should never be such a one-sided or lop-sided pursuit of a goal that could potentially be adverse and controversial. So, in fairness to those who support the concept and those who are in opposition of the concept, the best way to ensure that the greatest number of residents can weigh in is on Election Day.

As always, we will be sure to keep you all updated as the months progress.

With great respect and admiration,

Brian M. Ohler

First Selectman

Town of North Canaan