He raises an interesting idea about a binding referendum, but I sometimes I do wonder if referendums are the right way to make these decisions.
They sound nice in theory. And, hey, I love Democracy as much as the next guy, but in the the end I wonder if the campaigns that preceded such a vote would further divide the community, if that's even possible.
I also wonder if folks could shake hands, congratulate the winners and then move forward.
Seems to the the more natural solution would be to have an influential leader or leaders who could unite these visions--somehow--and sell the a single project to everyone. But we haven't seen that happen yet.
Until it does, I like the idea raised by John Macone in the News:
There have also been requests that the dialogues that Port In Progress has opened be extended and expanded. Issues like the future of the waterfront, the downtown, the balance between preservation and development, and the impact of gentrification have all been raised. We would like to help see this dialogue continue through public forums, opinion pieces and follow-ups to our series. If you would like to be a part of this, please let us know by e-mailing me at jmacone@ecnnews.com
Also, I'm told there are groups experienced in mediating disputes and breaking stalemates.
Perhaps this just invites more talk, but who knows someone might actually say something that is agreeable to everyone.
Wouldn't that be neat.
4 comments:
I like the idea of 'incrementalism' for most things in life. One never knows what opportunities and/or challenges the future brings. So I say re: Waterfront: Do something small and get started. Take 10-15 spaces out of parking this spring and plant some grass and a tree, place a bench and enjoy it. If that works OK with minimum hassle,do more next year. Seeking 'final solutions' it seems to me phrases the problem wrong. It pits two extremes against each other when a good answer maybe somewhere other than at the ends of the spectrum.
Fair point. Thanks
You can’t like democracy as much as the next guy, because I’m the next guy.
The vote should be restricted to:
(a) People who have earned a master’s degree or doctorate (but not in social work, comparative literature or some other pinko field);
(b) People who own more than 1,000 square feet of real property (condos count; timeshares and doublewides do not); or
(c) People who get whacked by the Alternative Minimum Tax or subscribe to Money magazine.
Only people I trust.
Words to remember from college pal Paul Karl Lukacs, Newburyport Posts' legal correspondent and token Republican contributor.
For more check out his blog, knife tricks
Thanks Paul
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