How do you like the job?

Over the past few week I've attended quite a few public functions: The East Falmouth Village Association meeting; breakfast at the Holy Ghost Society; the Old Stone Dock Assocation meeting; the dedication of the town hall landscaping to former Selectman Virginia Valiela; the Katharine Lee Bates Poetry Fest at the Falmouth Historical Society. Without a doubt, the most common question I've heard is, "How do you like the job?"

I'm enjoying it. It is definitely a job, requiring many hours a week above and beyond the weekly Monday night meetings. I've been to meetings of the Beach Committee, Energy Committee and Coastal Pond Working Group, sat with Chief Riello and met his captains, toured the beaches with Don Hoffer, and attended the aforementioned public events.

There are some Monday's when the vote doesn't go the way I'd like it too, but that's part of the territory. As General George S. Patton said, "If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking."

Admittedly, there are times when I worry about being too steadfast in my positions, but one former selectman told me, "Stick to your guns; people will respect you for it."

Indeed, if the most common question is "How do you like the job?" the most common statement is (and I paraphrase here), "You keep doing what you've been doing - asking the tough questions and speaking your mind. That's why I voted for you."

What else have people been saying?

"It's very noble of you to stick to your dress code."
"You're doing a great job; keep up the good work."
"Thank you for good representation."
"I'm so glad I voted for you."
"I wasn't sure about you at first, but you're a good addition to the board."
"You're off to a good start."

If all this was from the people who had expressed support for me before the election, that would be one thing. However, I'm hearing from most of these folks for the first time. Clearly I'm doing something right.

That said; the honeymoon may not be over, and I don't want to get a big head. One supporter joked, "I was waiting for the swelling in your head to go down before I called."

So, if you've a problem with what I'm doing, please tell me. I take this job very seriously, and if I'm not meeting your expectations, let me know.