Town Council Chairman, Chad Franz, responds to the Londonderry Times editorial Ethics in Government: Charting the Right Course the below letter was published in this weeks Londonderry Times.
I recently read the editorial titled “Ethics in Government: Chartering the Right Course,” and I must respectfully express my disagreement with its portrayal of the Londonderry Town Council’s actions and intentions.
The editorial suggests that the council is dismissing the vote of the electorate and operating in a manner lacking transparency and ethical standards. This is simply not true. The council is committed to transparency, thoughtful deliberation, and respect for the voters’ input.
During the last Town Council meeting, I emphasized the importance of a careful and deliberate approach, stating, “things built in a hurry come down in a hurry.” This reflects my dedication to making well-considered decisions that truly benefit our community. The advisory-only citizen petitions presented during the March Town election were first mentioned at the deliberative session, where they were briefly discussed by the petitioners. There was very little conversation and limited understanding of these petitions before they were put on the ballot in compliance with state law (RSA 39:3). To ensure any changes are made with a mindful and informed approach, I decided to address each petition individually during our Town Council meetings. This allows us to hear directly from petitioners, gather public feedback, and thoroughly discuss each petition’s implications.
Councilor Faber also highlighted that there might be unintended consequences of these citizen petitions, which is why I believe handling these matters mindfully and not recklessly is crucial. The implication that we are not committed to transparency and ethical governance is unfounded. My actions are aimed at fostering open communication and maintaining the trust of our constituents.
I normally ask people to judge me by my actions, not words, but this editorial needs to be addressed. I encourage all residents to stay informed by watching the council meetings and getting the full picture. It is crucial to engage with the actual discussions and decisions being made, rather than relying on incomplete portrayals.
Together, we’re better.
Chad Franz
Chairman, Londonderry Town Council
Related Posts:
Londonderry Times: Ethics in Government: Charting the Right Course
Planning Board Member, Lynn Wiles Responds to the Londonderry Times Editorial – Ethics in Government: Charting the Right Course
Why is the Town Council Chairman Asking Why?
Town Council Discusses Article 20, Recording Public Meetings
Town Council Discusses Article 19, Committees and board shall meet at a time best for the general population
Are 80 to 99% of Town Meetings Recorded?
How Do You Open The Charter to Implement Article 17 and 22?
Town Council Discusses Article 18 Public Comment at All Meetings
Town Council Discusses Article 17 “Should the Planning board Be Elected” 4/22/2024