Greetings Wet Citizens of Walpole,

The Town Meeting Rules Committee had a very productive session at our first meeting. Bob Damish is our chairperson, Kathy Garvin is our vice-chair. Our next meeting is on April 12, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

While assembling some other towns' Town Meeting Rules for our committee to study, I came across three quotable quotes from the Town of Boxborough (Moderator John Fallon). I believe they apply to Walpole as well, especially the third one.

“It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” Sir Winston Churchill, Speech in House of Commons 1947.

“We were all friends and neighbors before this meeting; after this meeting we will still be neighbors; hopefully we will still be friends.” Reginald C. (Reg) Brown, Boxborough Town Moderator 1977 to 2005. [RIP; you are missed]

“Civility at Town Meeting is not an option.” Various and sundry Town Moderators in Massachusetts

Thanks

Jon