Housatonic — I read an article recently about a petition regarding a way forward for the renovation of Monument Mountain Regional High School. The petition was composed and brought forward by a prominent group of Great Barrington citizens.
The news was interesting, and entertaining as well, since I was not only reading some important news, but also being informed about something I’d never heard of.
It must be a fine document suggesting both good- and common-sense suggestions for bringing education at the high school into the 21st century.
The petition must be first-rate since its authors are prominent community members.
My question is which of us gathered to anoint them to their prominence? I do know neither I nor anyone I know was consulted.
What I do know about is the many intelligent, concerned, clear-thinking who knew nothing about the prominent committee’s impending activities. Why not? Who decided we’re not prominent, or even not important enough, to have a say in choices affecting all of us?
Though my crew might not twirl in the correct social orbit, most of us are college graduates, and a couple of us hold advanced degrees. One of us has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the State University at Albany and many years of practical experience.
The best results in any important endeavor aren’t achieved by a homogeneity of thought, but instead by constructive discourse of several viewpoints toward a common goal.
Bless the community members who are taking action with their petition, but are they limiting their reach?
If nothing else, I’d feel a little better if someone actually showed up on my doorstep so I can at least sign the petition whose propositions I will happily endorse.
By extension of the exclusivity theme, a couple of letters-to-the-editor endorsed Mr. Jeremy Higa for a seat on the School Committee. I may have voted for Mr. Higa had I known his position on any issue. But I’ll not vote for someone I couldn’t even pick out of a line-up.
You might legitimately question: Why have you not given of yourself for the public good, Gray? I guess there are two simple answers: You can’t sign up for something you don’t know is happening, and besides, nobody bothers to ask.
