Red tape

No matter how clear I think something is, there are time when things require a little more explanation.

For example, my recent letter to Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray, in which I wrote, "For example, here in the town of Falmouth, businesses which apply for a sign must appear before a committee in order to get a permit. Defenders of this practice note that the committee has helped businesses navigate the town's regulations...However, it would be better to simplify those regulations so that there is no need to navigate anything. Entrepreneurs who work 60, 80 – and more – hours a week cannot afford to spend yet more time before a committee defending a sign application. Indeed, one applicant told me that the committee questioned the color of a sign - something the town does not regulate, and over which the committee has no jurisdiction."

In response, an anonymous poster wrote, "Great idea on the sign code! I am sure business will increase if East Main Street looked as good as Rt 6 in Wareham! If Falmouth's businesses could only put up huge, colorful signs their business would be at least as good as it is in Wareham!...While you are at it, why don't you suggest the State increase East Main street to 4 lanes wide! That would surely draw in the tourists!"

So, for the record, let's clarify my statements about signs.

I've never suggested that we toss-out the sign code. What I did say was that there is too much red tape.

It is difficult, if not impossible, to do business in Falmouth. One must navigate zoning, building, Historic Districts, the Historical Commission...there is one thing piled on another. The sign code - the example I used with President Murray - is so difficult to understand that one must have a committee interpret it, which adds yet another layer of red tape. The rules seem to be a moving target, intended not to protect the people, but to make it difficult to get anything done.

Believe it or not, business owners are reasonable people. Like any reasonable person, they are OK with following the rules. However, if those rules are not clear and easy to follow, or if we put up one roadblock after another simply because we don't like what someone is trying to do....well...that is simply not fair.

Life is not fair, but government should be. The Declaration of Independence tells us that we are all entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; the Constitution states that we are entitled to equal protection under the law. If I want to put a sign over my business here in Falmouth, I should be able to fill out a simple application, pay my fee and get my sign.

So, anonymous, please explain, Why can't the process be that simple?