It's Article 31 that is interesting. Just like the Rindge petitioned article, there's no provision for the acceptance of emergency funds. At least Rindge stipulated that grants or funds would have to be presented and accepted once a year at town meeting.
In Goffstown there's no explanation of what happens next. The way this is worded suggests that the town will not accept any money from any source. That would include a wealthy donor who wanted to help fund a town project. Tough luck, pal - we don't want your money!
The voters are also likely to be befuddled.
Is this not proof that certain individuals have no right, absolutely NO right, to be presenting and drafting potential majority burdening legislation etc? And if they don't like government, then what is their opinion of citizenry? Aren't us citizens government? And as you said, if a wealthy donor came along (who is a CITIZEN) then why on earth turn this down? Influence from big money donors can be checked if desired.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it is I who is delusional.
Apparently at Deliberative, Goffstown changed the warrant article to read as follows, "ARTICLE 31
ReplyDeleteShall the Town reaffirm the existing authority of the Selectmen to apply for, accept and expend unanticipated money from a State, Federal or other government unit or a private source which becomes available during the fiscal year pursuant to RSA 31:95-b?
Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 3-0-1. Submitted by Petition." Instead of denying the right to accept grants, they reaffirmed the right to accept grant money. It passed 1629 to 626. You can find the "unofficeal town results- Articles" here: http://www.goffstown.com/town-clerk/election-information.html.