Putnam Pressed On

The following post also appeared as a letter in the Thursday, October 16, 2008 edition of the Falmouth Bulletin.

In the quickly blossoming debate over building affordable housing at 419 Woods Hole Road versus Oshman Way, columnist Troy Clarkson noted that "the Selectmen agreed, for at least a couple of minutes" that both options could be pursued.

I contest Mr. Clarkson's rendition of events, because alone amongst the selectmen, I held my ground.

It is apparently a custom for the Falmouth Board of Selectmen to not support petitioner's articles, such as that presented by the members of the Affordable Housing Committee which recommends building housing at 419 Woods Hole Road. However, when my peers bowed to the pressure and withdrew their support, I pressed on, suggesting that the Board call a Special Town Meeting and sponsor a similar article.

When the Board voted a recommendation of indefinite postponement, I was the lone dissenting voice.

Earlier in the evening, I had suggested that perhaps both developments could be done. Indeed, while there are concerns about cutting down trees in Webster Woods, there are in fact dueling conservation issues here because of the wetlands at Oshman Way.

So, in addition to the questions asked by Mr. Clarkson, I would add a few of my own:

Which is more important, trees or wetlands?

Do trees take precedence over people?

The answer to the former is a value judgement which will undoubtedly be part of the debate at town meeting. The latter should be a no-brainer.

Brent Putnam
Selectman