Voices of Small Town America: A Discussion with Retired Town Administrator, Richard Brown
When you think of politics, do you instantly go to the national stage or maybe even the state level? But have you ever wondered about what happens in your own backyard, in the local government? Join us as we delve into the gritty realities of local governance with our esteemed guest, Richard Brown, a veteran with 45 years of experience in serving as a town administrator. In our conversation, we dissect the challenges and power dynamics that are often overlooked in a town's administration. Richard's insights into these issues, from his experiences with selectmen and their responsibilities, to the role of community involvement, are truly enlightening.
Every local government has its share of controversies and failures, and ours is no different. In this episode, we recount tales of failed attempts to revive beloved local activities and the legal battles that ensued due to controversial eminent domain decisions. We talk about the time when a simple plan to bring back ice skating to our town ran into environmental roadblocks, causing chaos and confusion. Situations like these only underscore the importance of conducting thorough research and obtaining proper approvals before initiating any community project. Listen in as we dissect controversies and contentious issues that emerge on this level of governance.
But it's not just about the challenges. Richard and I also discuss the rewards and the positive impacts of active participation in local affairs. We share our experiences and the lessons we learned along the way, hoping to inspire more citizens to take an active role in their community. From selling a piece of land to raise funds for a new project, to dealing with the closure of a power plant and its impact on tax revenue, these stories show how every decision, big or small, can shape a community. So, tune in, and let's explore together the nuances of governance at the grassroots level.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------
(0:00:01) - Town Administrator's Role Understanding
(0:10:11) - Selectmen and Challenges in Local Government
(0:20:08) - Failed Ice Skating Revival Attempt
(0:30:27) - Challenges and Solutions in Government Leadership
(0:42:18) - Challenges of Small Town Governance
(0:51:46) - Council Manager Role and Eminent Domain
(0:59:30) - Challenges and Successes in New London
(1:11:28) - The Challenges of Town Meeting Governance
(1:23:45) - Contention and Development in Somerset
(1:36:43) - Staying Involved and Rooting for Somerset
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------
(0:00:01) - Town Administrator's Role Understanding
Former town administrator Richard Brown discusses the role and differences between town administrator and manager, and his authority during the pandemic.
(0:10:11) - Selectmen and Challenges in Local Government
Selectmen face power dynamics, potential corruption, and challenges in local government decision-making.
(0:20:08) - Failed Ice Skating Revival Attempt
Reviving ice skating in a small town faced challenges due to environmental concerns and unauthorized actions.
(0:30:27) - Challenges and Solutions in Government Leadership
Power dynamics in local government, challenges of modern communication, and maintaining integrity in difficult situations with elected officials.
(0:42:18) - Challenges of Small Town Governance
Challenges and flaws of town meeting system, social media's impact, and potential alternative of representative town meeting.
(0:51:46) - Council Manager Role and Eminent Domain
Managing a town involves dealing with regulatory authorities, social media, employee interactions, and understanding the community's needs.
(0:59:30) - Challenges and Successes in New London
Eminent domain, development projects, and lack of civil discourse in a Supreme Court case involving Pfizer and a troubled neighborhood.
(1:11:28) - The Challenges of Town Meeting Governance
Town meetings can hinder waterfront development and employee relocation due to personal vendettas and special interests.
(1:23:45) - Contention and Development in Somerset
Nature's controversy over Brayton Point's redevelopment, impact on town's tax revenue, and need for increased revenue and recognition.
(1:36:43) - Staying Involved and Rooting for Somerset
Community involvement, local politics, challenges and rewards, active citizenship, and impact on community.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH FULL SUMMARIES ---------
(0:00:01) - Town Administrator's Role Understanding (10 Minutes)
This chapter features a conversation between host Holly McNamara and guest Richard Brown, former town administrator for Somerset. They discuss the role of a town administrator and how it differs from a town manager. Richard shares his background as a city manager and explains the differences in responsibilities between the two positions. They also touch on the trust and authority given to Richard by the selectmen during his time as town administrator, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, this chapter provides insight into the inner workings of local government and the important role of a town administrator.
(0:10:11) - Selectmen and Challenges in Local Government (10 Minutes)
This chapter explores the role of selectmen in local government decision-making and the potential challenges that arise. The hosts discuss the power dynamics between selectmen and department heads, highlighting the potential for favoritism and misuse of public funds. They share examples of selectmen abusing their power, such as requesting the highway department to plow their friends' driveways. The hosts also touch on the euphoria and potential corruption that can come with being elected as a selectman. The chapter sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by selectmen in local government, providing insights into the tensions and inefficiencies that can arise.
(0:20:08) - Failed Ice Skating Revival Attempt (10 Minutes)
This chapter explores the challenges faced in bringing back ice skating to a small town in Massachusetts. We delve into the history of a marsh that was once used for ice skating and the efforts made to protect it. However, due to environmental concerns, the marsh became a protected area and ice skating was prohibited. The town planner, who grew up in the town, had plans to revive ice skating but faced bullying and harassment. In 2018, two selectmen took matters into their own hands and plowed part of the marsh without authorization, causing confusion and concern. The community and DEP emphasized the importance of following protocols and obtaining proper approval. This chapter sheds light on the challenges of reintroducing a beloved activity and the significance of conducting thorough research.
(0:30:27) - Challenges and Solutions in Government Leadership (12 Minutes)
This chapter explores power dynamics in local government, specifically in the council manager form of government. We discuss how elected officials can abuse their power and how the city manager can enforce the charter to prevent this. We also touch on the challenges of modern communication, such as email and social media, and how it has changed the way people interact with local government. Sharing personal experiences and insights, we provide guidance on handling difficult situations with elected officials and maintaining a professional relationship. We acknowledge the unfortunate reality that standing up for what is right can sometimes result in job loss, but emphasize the importance of maintaining integrity and not letting others dictate our actions.
(0:42:18) - Challenges of Small Town Governance (9 Minutes)
This chapter sheds light on the challenges and flaws of the current town meeting system and the need for potential reforms. Our guest speaker, a former town official, shares her experience of being targeted and assaulted after resigning from her position. We discuss the inefficiency of the open town form of government, where elected officials have to constantly seek approval from voters for their decisions. Additionally, we touch upon the role of social media in exacerbating these issues and explore the potential alternative of a representative town meeting.
(0:51:46) - Council Manager Role and Eminent Domain (8 Minutes)
This chapter explores the complexities of local government and the role of a council manager. We discuss the challenges of dealing with regulatory authorities, social media, and changing rules for employee interactions. I share a story about a council member who changed their vote based on a few phone calls, highlighting the importance of understanding the community. We also touch on my experience with eminent domain in New London, Connecticut, and the difficulties involved in the process. Overall, this chapter provides insight into the intricacies of managing a town and the importance of understanding the roles and responsibilities involved.
(0:59:30) - Challenges and Successes in New London (12 Minutes)
This chapter provides insight into the complexities and controversies surrounding eminent domain and development projects. We discuss the backstory of a major eminent domain case in New London, Connecticut, where the city's decision to use eminent domain to redevelop a troubled neighborhood for a new Pfizer research headquarters sparked a contentious legal battle. We share personal anecdotes of the backlash and hate we received, including death threats, and how the case ultimately went to the Supreme Court. Reflecting on the lack of civil discourse and dialogue in today's society compared to when the case took place, we also touch on the challenges of timing and public perception in local government and eminent domain processes.
(1:11:28) - The Challenges of Town Meeting Governance (12 Minutes)
This chapter explores the challenges faced when trying to utilize the waterfront in Somerset. The hosts reflect on their efforts to sell a piece of land for a million dollars in order to build a brewery and restaurant with walking paths and boat access. Unfortunately, their plans were thwarted by a small group of individuals at a town meeting who were easily influenced by personal vendettas and special interests. The hosts also share a similar experience in another jurisdiction where opposition was met when recommending the relocation of an employee. This chapter highlights how town meetings can be hijacked by a small group of people, causing obstacles in implementing beneficial projects.
(1:23:45) - Contention and Development in Somerset (13 Minutes)
This chapter explores the ongoing controversy surrounding the redevelopment of Brayton Point, a former coal-fired power plant in Somerset. We discuss our personal experiences with the issue and the small group of neighbors opposing the development. We also touch upon the impact of the plant's closure on the town's tax revenue and the need for the area to be developed in order to maintain and improve services. Emphasizing the importance of the rest of the town recognizing the potential benefits of the redevelopment and the need for increased tax revenue.
(1:36:43) - Staying Involved and Rooting for Somerset (2 Minutes)
This chapter explores the importance of community involvement and staying informed and engaged in local politics. The host speaks with Richard, a former town administrator, about his experiences and insights on the subject. They discuss the challenges and rewards of being involved in local government, as well as the responsibility to leave a positive impact on the community. Richard expresses gratitude for the host's continued involvement and updates on current events in their shared town. Overall, this chapter highlights the value of active citizenship and the impact it can have on a community.
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