EDDINGTON TOWN MEETING

Last week's Annual Town Meeting was the most attended gathering this writer has seen in several years. Attendance was 123.

Of course, when that number is compared to the number of full-time town residents or the number of registered voters, the attendance was abysmal.

There was little discussion regarding the basic warrant issues. One change was to define "long-term commitment" when it comes to grants and contributions that would generate a Special Town Meeting.

Two or three years ago, voters determined that the Board of Selectmen would have to receive the approval of the voters before applying for any grants (or accept any contributions) that require or would result in any financial long-term commitment by the town, such as a grant for a new position that would require the town to pick up the compensation and benefits after a set period. Last week the voters decided that "long-term" will mean two years or more.

Following quite a bit of discussion, the proposed Wind Ordinance as submitted by the Planning Board was approved. Perhaps the objections were overcome by the assurances by a member of the Board that the Ordinance could be "tweaked" in the future should the science change or issues justify such action.

Voting Results for the previous day's election were announced.

For the two Board of Selectmen positions, with three candidates: Donn Goodwin received 105 votes; Joan Brooks received 83 votes; and Mike Shephard received 81 votes. Although both Goodwin and Brooks were incumbents, Mike Shephard's showing is encouraging. Maybe there is a change in the wind. We can only hope.

For the 3-year term on the School Board, Jeff Thurlow (former member of the Planning Board) received 132 votes. Jeff ran unopposed.

For the 2-year term, to finish out former representative Karen Clark's term, Don McKenzie received 97 votes. Mr. McKenzie is retired from positions with the Fire Department and Code Enforcement in Massachusetts where he and his wife lived before relocating to Eddington.

Also running for that 2-year position was Dustin Rath who received 32 votes. The voting results may have been fortuitous since Mr. Rath was informed the day before the vote that he was being transferred out-of-state and would have been unable to serve had he been elected.

The total number of voters (for Selectmen and School Representatives) was 146, even more than the number of people who showed up for the Town Meeting. Once more, this was the largest voter turnout for a local election that has been seen in recent years. Now, if we could get the Board of Selectmen to schedule Candidates Night in conjunction with the Public Hearings prior to the Town Meeting, Eddington might actually appear to have a form of democracy and an informed voter base. With all the activities to celebrate the town's 200th birthday, it's time for Eddington to practice real democratic government. Of course, that also requires committed and involved citizens.