Back to Basics

( ADDENDUM: Posted by Andrew Rochman; Clayton resident)

The “Statement of Purpose” and “Guiding Objectives” published on the merger website are a modest start to getting back to basics. Unfortunately, these documents represent examples of possible study outcomes, not postulates! To vote to accept these documents without serious discussion and modification buys you into agreeing to such concepts as

(1) Clayton and RH are strong and well functioning without having any notion of the definition and implication of these words (What does “strong” mean?)

(2) Gaining a stronger voice in the regional decision making is achievable and makes a material difference (How has this been demonstrated?).

(3) Merging functions such as police and fire may be recommended even though there may not be any economic benefits. (3rd paragraph of Statement of Purpose)

(4) The future beyond 10 years is not a primary focus (opening sentence of Guiding Objectives).

Reread these documents – that’s what they say or imply or you can easily infer.

More critically, the documents fail to mention the voice of the respective citizens. Expectations may abound beyond the reality of citizens’ interests because no serious forums have been established to collect public opinion. It’s not up to the JSC to tell citizens what they want. At this juncture, little has been invested. It’s not too late to go back to square one and find out.

Hopefully, before even considering these documents, the JSC will survey public opinion. Then, the JSC should be better positioned to critically review and reformulate the purpose and objectives and to create an action plan.