Over the past year or so when the website was started I must say I was naive. I had no clue to what was going on and occurring in our towns government and it’s management other than the limited coverage you see in the papers. It certainly has been eye opening to observe the goings on and much of what I have seen and recorded I would not have believed possible.
This website was started as a way to allow an open public dialogue for residents to stay informed. Over time I have added on-demand audio and video of Selectmen Meetings, published meeting highlights, shared opinion, linked to news, and highlighted local events. I attended and followed the Budget Committee Meetings as well, recording those for residents to see. This web site continuously gains more visitors as residents have begun learning of it’s existence, taking part in the online commentary, and publishing events and opinion.
It is important to understand this website and the Town itself for that matter, will be what we make of them, neither will change on their own. I encourage Lebanon residents to take an active role in publishing articles and events here online, as well as share in the comments and dialog. It is also important to be an active resident by being informed in matters facing the Town, attending and watching the Selectmen Meetings and or participating in the Citizen Roundtables.
The Citizen’s Rountable is a meeting of residents the first Thursday of each month to discuss many of the topics and issues facing the Town. The meetings are held at the Lebanon Elementary School. Many of the topics are similar to current affairs on this website, all with a goal of improving the betterment of our Town. The meetings are casual open affairs that promote information exchange and dialogue. Every meeting I have attended has left me a bit more enlightened. I have met many wonderful people, listened to many great ideas and heard many shared perspectives.
When I ran for Selectmen last year, I met many of you and listened to your individual stories of happenings about town, I was amazed! I was further astonished when speaking to residents during the collection of signatures for the Town Manager and Ambulance Petitions the overall feeling of discontent people had for the Town. Residents described with apathy how they were dissatisfied with lack of police coverage, town management, hiring practices, bidding methods, town hall and so much more. Many explained how it’s been this way for years…some have tried to change things and had some success but overall the feedback was sad. There was also another group of residents who simply didn’t know anything….they are busy, out of touch, much like I was. They wrongly assumed things are handled effectively as they may have seen in other towns.
This needs to change…there should be no apathy when one speaks of the Town Hall and the way the towns business, roads or services are handled. We should be proud! I don’t have all the answers but I do know right from wrong and unfortunately there is more wrong than right when it comes to how things are handled. This said, I am certain it can be changed and corrected, it starts with residents paying attention, being informed and being involved.
Our town is a wonderful place with a truly wonderful community. If we don’t start taking measures today to improve and prepare for tomorrow we are going to be in even more serious trouble. As a town we lack many of the foundations a municipality of our size should have like a Charter or Comprehensive Plan. We miss out on Grants and Aid because we don’t keep adequate records and our part-time Selectmen cannot effectively manage or drive these complicated matters or provided the needed oversight.
We need greater resident involvement …not just those that are connected or employees of the town. Real folks like you and me who have no preconceived agenda other than to see things in our Town improve day by day. I hope after you have had a chance to look around the website and view some of the meetings for yourself you too will step up and join in in making the Town a better place.
Welcome to OurVoice and please enjoy it and make it part of Your Voice!
3 responses so far ↓
1 Karen // Nov 1, 2009 at 8:55 am
This website is an excellent tool to see what is going on. So many residents may think they are too busy, but when we get the tax bill, we then see that bad things have happened. I supported you during the last election and will make sure I get the word out. Keep up the good work Mr. Stadig, you are right, we do live in a great community but we all have to do our part.
2 Confused! // Nov 3, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Thank you for having the table their today. it was great to meet you guys and get the information. I went their thinking we were voting on a town manager and an ambulance. Change is coming!
3 striveforchange // Nov 4, 2009 at 9:49 am
Change is coming. Alot of people are afraid of change but I believe that this change will be good. So many things are arie here and it has been a real eyeopener, thanks to Glen and his website. For many years the good ol’boys have ruled the roost, sort of speak. It is time to get into the 21st century.
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