BRATTLEBORO-In the Special Focus Issue containing many thoughts on the upcoming ballot questions as to town governance, democracy is sometimes stated as (but is more often tacitly assumed to be) an underlying goal to which we all ascribe. And so it should be.
However, it must be noted that as a component of a desirable governing structure, democracy is necessary, but not sufficient.
Look at the result of democracy at the national level. Restrictions on government powers are also necessary. I have read that Thomas Jefferson would not have supported the Constitution as written without the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.
I know it’s not up for current discussion, but the Dillon Rule should be repealed in Vermont. Democracy sometimes results in having too much representation deciding how town governments should function.
Reading the pros and cons for Brattleboro governance has reinforced my decision to support a change to an open Town Meeting. This would allow for maximum participation as needed by those who wish to participate.
As has been said elsewhere: Power to the people!
Ken McCaffrey
Brattleboro
This letter to the editor was submitted to The Commons.
This piece, published in print in the Voices section or as a column in the news sections, represents the opinion of the writer. In the newspaper and on this website, we strive to ensure that opinions are based on fair expression of established fact. In the spirit of transparency and accountability, The Commons is reviewing and developing more precise policies about editing of opinions and our role and our responsibility and standards in fact-checking our own work and the contributions to the newspaper. In the meantime, we heartily encourage civil and productive responses at voices@commonsnews.org.