Josh Bartlett: Fair thing is to table the controversial articles for a later vote

To The Daily Sun,

To the voters of Moultonborough:

The upcoming Town Meeting at Sandwich Fairgrounds is certainly going to be different. The warrant has not changed, but the situation in our town and country certainly has.

Recognizing the economics of the future may have dramatically changed and recognizing that an outdoor Town Meeting during this time of many people's health concerns, I applaud the Board of Selectmen’s revised recommendations. They are showing true leadership in a difficult situation. Although I disagree that the Town Meeting must be held, I do think that most of the changes they are suggesting with their comments are very sensible. I also applaud the reduction of several budget items due to the current uncertainty. Thank you, Board of Selectmen.

I would have suggested that they entertain a motion to table (postpone) the three most controversial and divisive article until a later time. All three articles: #5, #6, and #7 represent money and efforts that should be decided upon at a time when the future is clearer and when a large number of voters will be willing to participate. They actually have done that on #5 ($3,000,000 on the Town Function Hall — formerly known as the Lion’s Club) and #6 (the $6,720,000 Recreation Center/Gymnasium). I think the decision to continue with the vote on #7 ($100,000 on further study of the former Taylor property) is wrong. How much more money do we need to spend on this while we have the property for sale?

In the interest of fairness, there are many folks who are not willing to attend in light of the health risk, put up with the insects, and deal with what may be a very awkward method of holding this meeting. I am very concerned that a large number of registered voters will not chose to attend the outdoor meeting proposed because of health concerns and asking people to sit for hours, in the predicted hot sun, without running the air conditioning in their cars. I am also concerned about other issues. Where will the people who do not drive sit if they are transported by the town to the meeting?

It is my sincere hope that the people attending this Town Meeting will be fair minded enough to agree with the selectmen and table #5 and #6. I also would encourage the voters to table #7 and either table or vote “no” on #19 ($75,000 to demolish the former Taylor property buildings). It would certainly not make sense to pay to demolish a building before the sales opportunities are fully explored.

I make this simple request based on economic wisdom and fairness to all our voters.

Josh Bartlett

Mountonborough