Probably about the purest form of American democracy can be found at town meetings in Vermont, where everybody can have a say. The turnout is large and people are generally well prepared to discuss a wide range of issues. The head of our Select Board says the founding fathers here must have had a sadistic streak to set the date for it on the first Tuesday in March when the weather is almost always bleak. Today was cloudy but actually not too cold. (All during the meeting the snow kept falling off the roof in huge masses. ) I’m impressed by the care given to the preparation of the agenda and the spirited involvement of Strafford citizens. People are generally very thoughtful, polite and often funny, with Robert’s Rules scrupulously followed. There was a great deal of concern about the sorry state of the local roads–terrible potholes due to frost heaves–and how on earth the town could ever afford to repair them. One suggestion was just to break up the asphalt and go back to dirt roads which seem to do better in the bad weather. But the big item for discussion was a cooperative agreement with a lot of other small towns to bring fiber optic to Strafford. Of course it passed since it won’t cost the town anything. Now we’re pretty much assured that by the end of 2009 we won’t have to rely on dial-up anymore. Plus, we can get TV and telephone as well. And no matter how remote, how hilly one’s location we’ll still all be able to get connected. We’re very happy. Dial-up is so frustrating and it would be nice to get some television as well.
On the day of the meeting the road crew arrives at 4:00 a.m. to start the three big wood stoves on the only day of the year when the building is heated. All during the morning casseroles heat on top of the stoves and by noon you’re ravenous from the smell.
But this is probably the last year we’ll have the stoves. They’ll be replaced by propane heaters which will be more efficient and much safer. So many historic buildings in New England have burned down it only makes sense to get rid of the stoves and somewhat rickety pipes and install modern heaters. Anyway, the lunch run by the P.T.A. is wonderful–a huge potluck meal.
Children have the day off school and many come to the meeting. Here they are building a snowman and having a snowball fight during the lunch break.
What a great place to grow up!
