To the editor:
I’m voting NO on the “merger” Warrant Article at the Special Town Meetings on October 23 at 6 p.m. (October 21 for Egremont).
I’m voting NO because the PR materials developed for the Eight Town Regional School District Planning Board (RSDPB) do not agree with the wording of the proposed Eight Town Regional Agreement or the rest of the Warrant Article, the legal documents we’re voting on.
Any lawyer will tell you “If it’s not written, it’s not been said.” The chasm between what’s being said and the legal documents is huge. Never sign, or vote on, a legal document without knowing what it says. Life is filled with people who did so and suffered severe misfortunes, including losing their homes, money, and other negative life-changing outcomes.
The proposed Agreement is what we are voting on—not PR, or wishful thinking, or hopes. It’s important to note that the RSDPB didn’t write this Agreement, their hired lawyers did. While RSDPB members approved it in a 16-5-3 vote, (2/3 of those eligible to vote), all five who opposed it represent four of the five SBRSD towns.
In legal documents, every word is there for a reason. This Agreement is not easy to read, follow, or understand without multiple readings. It has taken me hours to figure out what it really says.
I am grateful to the SBRSD School Committee for sponsoring the first Community Conversation on the proposed Agreement and full Warrant Article. There were no scheduled public meetings on the Agreement/Warrant Article before this session. Since this September 27 meeting and the October 4 Mahaiwe panel discussion, many people have told me they had no idea what the Agreement said and have changed their vote to NO. No one on the RSDPB has publicly disputed any of my analysis. Two members have cited my preference for proportional representation, but that has nothing to do with the proposed Agreement.
I don’t know why there is such a disconnect between what’s being said and the proposed Agreement and Warrant Article. But we’re not voting on what’s being said, just on the proposed Eight Town Regional Agreement and Warrant Article. Know what is written before you vote.
Please attend your Special Town Meeting and vote NO.
Rene Wood
Sheffield
