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Pleasant surprises ahead for Arkwright

I was so disheartened by all the resignations and changes in the Arkwright Town Board that I simply couldn’t bring myself to attend the regular September meeting.

Having reneged once, I felt it my duty to catch up by going to the new board’s organization meeting August 24. “Organizational” is a gross exaggeration for, in my opinion, chaos reigned. (Mr. Ball very politely told me he disagreed with something I’d written on some subject earlier so let me state, before going any further, that I am NOT a reporter. I am a columnist with my opinions front and center. I do try to be accurate.)

Besides the board only one other townsperson (I presume) attended. I knew only two of the board so was grateful to those who introduced themselves. Except for our new clerk Jane Lindquist, the only other female in the room, all were men wearing caps, glasses and masks so I really have no idea what our new supervisor looks like. (I could describe his shirt.) It struck me at once that this was a congenial group. I have complained in the past abut the “Cannon-Ball Express” pushing their opinions front and center (to my great annoyance). This time I was grateful both Chris and Larry were able to offer a little direction when needed.

One new supervisor, Bryan McAvoy, is a stranger to me so I feel it very unfair to compare his ways to that of the very highly organized previous supervisor Ted Wightman who also had only two weeks to prepare before assuming the leadership. Mr. McAvoy tried to rule by consensus – “What do YOU think?” – that reminded me of four horsemen trying to pull a plow with no coordination or idea of direction.

Chris Jackson, briefly filling in as supervisor until one could be named, continues to strike me as quiet, a reticent leader who is well-versed and steady in all he does. I feel equally happy seeing Craig Harrington, our highway superintendent, at his post. He has a huge job and seems to handle it responsibly as well. Lynn Bedford attended by computer (is that Zoom?), competently asking questions, answering comments and voting the few times any vote was taken.

I will look forward to September – well, the meeting, certainly not the rapidly fleeing days — presuming by then all will be running as smoothly as clockwork.

September 14 did roll around far too quickly but found me eager to attend the first Arkwright board meeting with our new supervisor presumably in control. I drove out there with high hopes and, admittedly, lesser expectations.

What a lovely surprise! There were only a handful of townspeople present and no video to record the proceedings nor any reporter. I missed as well the previous handouts: agenda, financial report and minutes, necessarily unapproved from the previous meeting.

From acting swamped in August, Supervisor Bryan McAvoy was completely in command tonight. I commend him and remain in awe of the change. There was no question whatever that he had total understanding of all his position required. He worked in what appeared to me to be harmony with his full board showing leadership and total direction. Once, when I felt a situation could veer toward being touchy, Bryan handled it with great diplomacy.

He also voiced concern for us citizens, which I’m sure isn’t new, though I’ve never heard anyone say it aloud before. It is our well-being that takes priority over budget issues.

McAvoy also urged his board to spruce up the town hall so it will look good for Election Day. Nobody has done that before.

Craig Harrington, running the highway department, has perhaps the largest role and is up to it. He’s in charge of upgrading equipment within budgetary limits, exchanging old equipment for some perhaps not quite so ancient. Knowing the cost per mile to upgrade any of our roads meant he and the board could work together to decide what roads are fixed when.

Much discussion followed on the windmills. (I heard few, if any, refer to them as turbines.) Complaints continue about the noise and flicker. Efforts to better communicate the anguish seems as good as it gets . . . for now.

Ironically, as I understood it, the big bucks coming in from the company has to be used for “culture.” Well, Arkwright being Arkwright, the only “culture” is our two cemeteries. They’ll be surveyed , spruced up and, quite possibly, better fenced.

(Pity the revamped town hall can’t incorporate a concert stage.)

There was no question that any further talk about the town hall or town barns would be put off until next year. First things first. The harmony within this group was amazing!

Also in the new year a Board of Ethics will be revised and a Planning Board established.

McAvoy and Lindquist are on the ballot so, since you’re sure to be voting anyway, please don’t overlook these two very capable candidates.

I believe good things are ahead for Arkwright. We seem in very good hands.

Susan Crossett has lived in Arkwright for more than 20 years. A lifetime of writing led to these columns as well as two novels. Information on all the Musings, her books and the author may be found at Susancrossett.com.

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