Accidental Politician

In the spring of 2003, the Falmouth Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission were holding joint hearings to decide the future of the Coonamessett River cranberry bogs. I'm almost ashamed to admit that I had no idea that these bogs are town owned – that is how far removed I was from town government at the time.

It didn't last long. When the Coonamessett River Park Coalition – which wants to restore the river at the expense of the bogs – succeeded in convincing town meeting to close the bogs, I joined the chorus of individuals who thought the decision ill-advised.

I learned much about town government over the next six months, which culminated in my role as a speaker for the Falmouth Bog Preservation Group at the fall 2003 town meeting. I had been thrust into the spotlight (some might say that I thrust myself into the spotlight) and found myself knee deep in town government.

I couldn't walk away. My father was a career firefighter and a former tank commander who spent some 20-odd years in the Army and National Guard. I had been a Boy Scout – an Eagle. I grew up with a strong sense of duty, and it was calling. I volunteered. The selectmen appointed me the conservation commission, and you - my neighbors - elected me to town meeting.

I'm something of an accidental politician, as I've no desire to make a career of this. Honestly, I'm not fond of those who spend decades serving in public office. I wish more of our elected officials would follow the example of George Washington, who retired after eight years. His sense sense of duty was not clouded by the lure of power; he left office before he lost sight of the important things.

Which is why I write this blog. I need you - the people who elected me - to remind me of the important things. I am here to serve you.