May 15, 2008
Wilton Bulletin Editorial: Time for a change, but no change at all
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The vast majority of Wilton residents — more than 90% based on this past week’s Annual Town Meeting and vote — are apparently perfectly happy having their decisions made by the other 10%. Or further distilled, by the 16 members of the town’s three major boards — since their decisions have not been overruled in the past decade.
With 8.6% of voters casting ballots on a $107-million budget and nearly $1 million in bonding requests, it may be time to rethink how things are done in Wilton.
People love the idea of an Annual Town Meeting form of government. They just don’t seem too enthralled with the practicing side of it.
It’s a New England tradition of self-governance and rule of the people that dates to the formation of the country and fears of elitist or — worse yet — tyrannical rule.
But now may be the time for a tyrant — or at least a mob of them.
One town official says “benevolent despotism” is the most efficient form of government around, and he may be on to something.
It may make some residents’ skin crawl, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a select group of representatives making the weighty decisions for the town, so long as they have the interests of the town at heart. After all, in essence, that is what has been happening for some time here in Wilton.
And now, with a charter commission formed and ready to dig into the town’s Constitution, the opportunity is there for some needed changes to be made.
A Representative Town Meeting form of government is one option that could be considered, though just how effective that form is has often been called into question. If only 8.6% of the representatives show up, there’s not much difference from having a public vote.
Another consideration would be a mayor/council form of government, where an elected CEO — similar to a first selectman but with a little more muscle behind the office — is advised by a group of five, seven, nine or more councilors who set the vision for the town’s future, create policy, vote on the mayor’s proposed budget and then leave the administration side to his or her discretion.
Still another option is one that appears to be quite controversial in town — a town manager government with a Board of Selectmen, Town Council or other decision-making body.
None of these options is perfect, but can they be worse than the dysfunctional system currently in place?
One caveat that may make each of these options a little easier to digest is that no matter what form of government is chosen — if Wilton goes that route — the town charter can always have, and should have, a provision reserving the public’s right to make the big decisions.
Then, when there is that “big issue” controversy that typically draws residents out to vote, the town can simply turn it over to the voters.
At the most, the town stands to gain a more efficient, organized and consistent government. At the least, Wilton would save the $3,500 cost of running a town meeting each year — a pittance to be sure, but a savings nonetheless.
Wiltonians have already given up their voice in practice. Are they willing to give it up on paper as well?
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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