Article 42

To recommend that the Board of Selectmen exercise its authority under Article III, Section C3-5 of the Falmouth Home Rule Charter and conduct an investigation of the Falmouth High School renovation project, or do or take any other action in this matter.

Truth be told, I had no plans to make a presentation on Article 42. After a contentious discussion amongst the Board of Selectmen, I had agreed to "indefinite postponement" with some wordsmithing of the explanation.

There is no "I" in government, and a signatory to the petition article, Precinct 8 representative Margo Finnell, held the article during the dispensing of the warrant on Monday. At the break, I spoke with her; she wanted a positive motion made.

I could have refused to make the presentation, but everything I do - as a selectman, a town meeting representative, and a petitioner - I do as a representative of the people. I can do nothing without the support of the people, and there is no doubt that the people want an investigation.

After a brief presentation followed by little discussion, it passed, 102 to 77.

I know some folks were upset by the vote. One Falmouth resident approached me outside as we walked to our cars. She felt that an investigation would result in finger pointing and ruin all of the good work done over the years by those associated with this project.

In fact, the opposite is true. Absent an investigation, there will be no closure. Until every stone is overturned, and every question answered, the rumors and finger pointing - which began when we were told that the project was $19 million over budget - will continue. Only when we know why this project went awry will we be able to move on.

Might we learn that people made mistakes? It is possible, but as one person stated, "...wounded egos do not justify burying heads in the sand."