Welcome to the continuing series of discussions with thought leaders who are bringing new and innovative solutions to the challenges government faces in delivering services to the citizen.
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Last Tuesday we the citizens of Ipswich carried on a
tradition that is documented to have taken place in town since at least 1635.
The tradition of the town meeting in Ipswich is as close to the ideal of a pure
democracy as any form of self-governance demonstrated across history. Any voter
may attend the town meeting, address the body on topics germane to the issues
and vote. This unique franchise is something to be cherished and preserved.
The Ipswich Town meeting is more than just a historical
artifact. It is a living legislative body. Real issues that impact the day to
day lives of the citizens of the town are decided upon by those affected by
their decisions. Rules are made. Money
is spent. Taxes levies are recommended to the ballot. Unique to just about
every other form of government, this deliberative process results in votes cast
not by proxy by a representative in some distant legislature. These decisions are made by neighbors, with
neighbors, for the good of the community.
As different from the 17th century as is the world of today,
the matters of community dealt with at the town meetings remain remarkably
similar. During the April 20, 1635 meeting the issues deliberated included
regulations on fencing of house lots and the distribution of land grants. Last
Tuesday we the people of Ipswich decided issues including the grant of an
easement providing public access to the Ipswich River and regulations for the
location of marijuana dispensaries in town.
There are also stark and telling differences between the
town meeting of history and today. These distinctions inform part of the
reasons that the town meeting remains essential. In 1635 only a few select
individuals were able to make decisions that affected anyone living in town.
Today although we retain some of the vestiges of those days in such
institutions as the Board of Selectman, the town meeting has evolved into a
democratic institution that is uniquely American. That you are registered to
vote in the Town is the only qualification to attend and participate.
The Ipswich Town meeting is a living demonstration of the
American political ideal of inclusion. More importantly in an age of
factionalism and gridlock, government in Ipswich works. We come together as a
community, we debate as a community and we decide as a community.
Is it perfect? No institution involving people can ever be
perfect. Nor can everyone be happy when
difficult decision are made. The town meeting reflects our human condition. We
are the town meeting.
Thank you for being part of the audience of the “L” channel. Please stay tuned for future editions. You may follow us on Twitter @LyceumPodcast and subscribe to our episodes on iTunes and through my feed.
Welcome to the continuing series of discussions with thought leaders who are bringing new and innovative solutions to the challenges government faces in delivering services to the citizen.
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My guest for this episode is Chairman of the Board of Selectman for the Town of Ipswich Massachusetts, Charles Surpitski. Mr. Surpitski and I discuss a range of topics including how the Board of Selectman conduct business as the Chief Executive body for the town, how the Board relates to other boards and panels in town and the planning for the upcoming Oct 15, Special Town Meeting.
Mr. Surpitski has worked for the Town of Ipswich for 35 plus years starting as a patrolman in the Police Department in 1971 and rising through the ranks culminating in being appointed the Chief of the Department in 1989.
In 1991 the Town reorganized the department adding to Mr. Surpitski’s duties as Chief the responsibilities as the Town's first Director of Public Safety.
His duties included managing the police department, fire department, shellfish warden, overseeing the harbors, emergency management, ambulance services and animal control.
Mr. Surpitski retired in 2006. He did the usual newly retired projects and trips and then had an urge to return to public service. He decided to seek election as a selectmen and in 2008 was elected and then re-elected in 2011.
He is a lifelong resident of the town and comes from a family of civil servants. His Dad was a police officer and Chief of Police and his only sister was a public school teacher.
Mr. Surpitski says that it has been an honor and pleasure to grow up in such a wonderful diverse town and to be able to contribute to the quality of life of the residents.
Synopsis:
Charlie and I discuss a typical Board of Selectman meeting which begins with the “minutia” of government. In addition during each meeting the board tries to deal next with one or two issues that are important to the community. Recent examples include efforts by the board to use town resources to enhance economic development in the town. The town has three sources of revenue: property taxes, fees and state aide. “In order to continue the services that we offer in town government,” Charlie says, “it is necessary to find other sources of revenues.”
On the subject of economic development, Charlie says the board’s recent discussions have been about what areas of town are attractive to businesses and what infrastructure resources will attract new businesses to the town. “There is always some items of substance related to the future of the community that are on the agenda,” Charlie says. Correspondence, new business and updates round out the typical Board of Selectman meeting.
Charlie urged that citizen participation is important. The best way to view the meetings are to come to the meetings. Recognizing that people are busy there are other options to participate. Citizens may watch the meetings live on Ipswich Community Access Media (ICAM). Board meetings are also available for on-demand replay via the Community tab of the town’s web page. The Board of Selectman is, “One of the few places where we legislate in front of the people,” says Charlie.
Charlie talks about the responsibilities of Chairman. These include working continually through the weeks with the town manager and the professional staff keeping on top of issues that are import to the Board, to the town as a whole, setting the agenda, running the meetings and dealing with the significant amounts of correspondence received.
Charlie says that it is really important that someone respond the correspondence. “We don’t wait, it’s the responsibility of the chair to direct communications to the right party and that someone get in touch with that person and let them know that someone is looking into their issues.“ Charlie says, “It takes a great deal of time, but it is time well spent,” he continues.
Other important issues in front of the Board today include finding a way to renew the town’s public safety facilities. Charlie said, “Our fire station was built in 1907 actually for horse drawn fire apparatus and certainly apparatus has changed.”
Storm water, sewer extensions, no matter what the issue is, even if it is in relative terms small, if someone took the time to bring it up, Charlie says, “We view these smaller issues as just important as the bigger ones.” He goes on, “We continue to try to improve town services, make sure they are running efficiently and economically; their all big issues.”
Getting back to the issue of economic development, Charlie points to New England Biolabs and EBSCO Industries as two examples of businesses who have made a big commitment to Ipswich revitalizing the downtown and being great community partners.
We talk about how the Board of Selectman works with other boards and panels in town. Charlie says the Board of Selectman is made up of only five members and so they depend a lot upon volunteers. He says the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Conservation Commission are regulatory boards and they need the support, understanding and thanks of the Board of Selectman. They are, “Folks stepping forward, without pay, to make sometimes very difficult and tough decisions,” he says.
Charlie continues that there are also a myriad of other interests in the community including the Shellfish Committee interested in preserving the resource, the Storm Water committee who are making sure that water that flows through the rivers and over the clam flats is clean. Charlie says, “It is so important that people who have an interest participate and to advise us as to how to proceed.”
We then talk about the role of the Board of Selectman in planning for what Town Moderator Tom Murphy describes as the, “Pure Democracy” of the town meeting. Ipswich maintains the tradition of the open town meeting where all residents are encouraged to attend town meeting and participate in decisions including passing the town budget. Charlie says, “It’s one of those unique situations where people decide the fate of government.”
With regard to the town meeting the role of the Board of Selectmen is to bring the issues that need to be decided upon by the body politic to the warrant. This is includes working with the Town Manager Robin Crosbie, other boards and citizens of the town to create the warrant which forms the agenda for the meeting. All citizens have the right to bring issues of concern to the town meeting. The most important issues is probably the town budget. “The people,” Charlie says, “actually vote to implement it, Charlie says” In between town meetings he continues, “It’s up to the Board of Selectman to make sure that will of the legislative body is implemented.”
The interview concludes with Charlie encouraging the citizens of Ipswich to attend the public hearings, to hear the pros and cons of the particular issues and to be prepared to participate in the town meeting. Charlie urges citizens of the Town of Ipswich to attend town meeting. “We understand that it can be difficult to get there and to dedicate three or four hours on a Monday or Tuesday night,” he says. The bottom line is that, “It is our town, it is important, and we want to have the widest participation that we can,” Charlie says.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the “L” channel. Please stay tuned for future editions. You may follow us on Twitter @LyceumPodcast and subscribe to our episodes on iTunes and through my feed.
Welcome to the continuing series of discussions with thought leaders who are bringing new and innovative solutions to the challenges government faces in delivering services to the citizen.
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My guest for this episode is Co-Chairwoman of the Planning Board for the Town of Ipswich Massachusetts, Heidi Paek. Heidi and I discuss a range of topics including the upcoming Oct 15, Special Town Meeting and the proposed amendment the Ipswich Protective Zoning Bylaw to set conditions for a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center.
Prior to joining the Planning Board in 2011, Heidi served on Ipswich’s Commission on Energy Use and Climate Protection, which measured the town’s carbon footprint and developed a Climate Action Plan.
Heidi grew up on the north shore. She and her husband moved to Ipswich in 1996.
Synopsis:
Heidi and Guy discuss the role of the chairperson on the Ipswich Planning Board and describe a typical meeting. The Ipswich Planning Board is authorized under the Massachusetts General Laws to regulate the laying out and construction of ways in subdivisions and to insure the safety, convenience and welfare of the present and future residents of Ipswich. The Board is also authorized by the Ipswich Protective Zoning Bylaw to approve site plan review applications for all non-residential development and to grant special permits for various residential and non-residential uses.
Along with the School Committee, the Select Board and the Finance Committee, the Planning Board is among those entities of town government that have the most direct impact on people. The Board deals with issues that can inflame passions and members need to make decision that may not please some in the community.
Heidi discusses a recent controversial issue. She tells of the need for board members to "leave our opinions in the hallway" and to look at the existing bylaw, to understand what is allowed and not allowed, and then to see how applications and proposed construction projects measure up. Hiedi says the bylaws are enacted by the will of the people at previous town meetings and, "Sometimes, it’s truly a pleasure to vote in support of a project that meets the criteria of the bylaw. Other times, it’s not so gratifying."
Heidi relates another recent example dealing with a new Assisted Living Facility that’s being built on County Road and how pleasing the process was to work with the community, experts, the developer and other board and committees in town. Heidi says, "Before we reached our decisions, we sought the expertise of many other groups. And when we asked for changes and improvements, the applicant was very willing to work with us."
Heidi and Guy talk about the upcoming Special Town Meeting taking place on October 15, 2013. Heidi describes the Planning Board's role in preparing for a town meeting.
Among the issues the board has worked on that will be voted upon at the meeting are propose regulations for a medical marijuana dispensary. A working group, including members of the planning board, planning staff, the health agent, the chief of police, and others devised draft bylaws, after researching the Commonwealth's model bylaw and similar ones enacted in other towns. Three public hearings to seek comment and input were held fine-tuning happened during the public hearings. The members of the Planning Board also appeared before the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee for their review and some additional minor improvements.
The interview concludes with Heidi and Guy encouraging as many people as possible to take the opportunity to participate in the “pure democracy” of the town meeting.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the “L” channel. Please stay tuned for future editions. You may follow us on Twitter @LyceumPodcast and subscribe to our episodes on iTunes and through my feed.
Welcome to the continuing series of discussions with thought leaders who are bringing new and innovative solutions to the challenges government faces in delivering services to the citizen.
Tom Murphy
I am your host Guy Clinch and my guest in this episode is Thomas R. Murphy, the current Moderator of the Town of Ipswich Massachusetts.
Mr. Murphy was elected to the position of Town Moderator in May of 2011 replacing James Grimes who retired as the Town Moderator after serving in the role for 30 years.
In addition to his responsibilities to the town Tom is an active trial lawyer in the greater Boston area since 1985 and in the last five years has focused on appellate work.
He has briefed and argued matters at every level of state and federal courts except the United States Supreme Court. Tom is a former Peace Corps volunteer and currently serves as the Chair of the Amicus Committee for the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys. Listen here:
Tom and Guy discuss the Town Meeting and Tom's role as moderator. According to Massachusetts state law the moderator’s primary responsibility is to preside and regulate the proceedings during town meeting, to decide all questions of order and to make public declaration of all votes. The Town Moderator is also responsible for appointing members to a number of key town committees.
The citizens of the Town of Ipswich have held town meetings since at least 1635. By state law and governed by the town charter the town is required to hold at least one town meeting per year. The annual town meeting takes place in the spring. On October 15, 2013 the town will hold a special town meeting to deal with a number of pending decisions.
Tom has a great sense of the history of the position of moderator and the importance of the "pure democracy" of the town meeting. He is working to keep the tradition of the town meeting relevant to contemporary times. Tom expresses that the town meeting as a form of governance is threatened because people find it increasingly difficult to balance the requirement of daily life with the responsibilities of participation.
Tom tells of the processes that lead up to the town meeting, what happens during the meeting and of resources that are available to citizens who wish to participate. Some of those resources are available at the links provided below.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the “L” channel. Please stay tuned for future editions. You may follow us on Twitter @LyceumPodcast and subscribe to our episodes on iTunes and through my Feed.
Welcome to the second in a continuing series of discussions with thought leaders who are bringing new and innovative solutions to the challenges government faces in delivering services to the citizen.
I am your host Guy Clinch and my guest in this episode is Anne L Hardwick, immediate past chair of the Corporate Affiliate Committee of the National Association of State Technology Directors.
Anne Hardwick
In her career Anne has worked for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce doing extensive television studio production work in the Chamber's state-of-the art facilities in Washington, DC.
Anne then served a long career with the Commonwealth of Virginia first as the manager of Telemedia Operations rising to the position of Associate Director of Telecommunications and Network Services.
Today Anne works with AVI-SPL to grow a strong relationship between AVI-SPL and the NASTD membership. She and her husband are also proprietors at the Tanglewood Ordinary Restaurant, “Home of ‘Grandmother's Sunday Dinner’ …and more.”
Anne describes the National Association of State Technology Directors organization and tells a bit about the organization's history. Anne talks about her history with NASTD that goes back to her time as a state member representing the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Guy asks Anne about her experiences in leadership roles. Anne first tells of her tenure as a state member functioning as the Eastern Region President. Over the past several years Anne has returned to the organization representing various commercial organizations. Anne's achievements include being elected to represent the Corporate Affiliate Committee in various leadership roles culminating in her recent term as Chairperson.
Anne describes the function of the Corporate Affiliate Committee. She talks about a number of the companies who are corporate affiliates members of NASTD and how the Corporate Affiliate Committee relates to the state membership and supports the organization. Anne talks about the benefits that the organizations she has represented have accrued and how she has benefited personally from involvement and membership of the NASTD organization.
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Thank you for listening to this episode of the “L” channel. Please stay tuned for future editions. You may follow us on Twitter @LyceumPodcast and subscribe to our episodes on iTunes and through my Hipcast RSS feed.
Warmest regards,
Guy Clinch Google
Welcome to the first in a continuing series of discussions with thought leaders who are bringing new and innovative solutions to the challenges government faces in delivering services to the citizen.
Bernie O'Donnell
I am your host Guy Clinch and my guest in this episode is Mr. Bernard O'Donnell, Director, Communications Services for the State of Connecticut. Bernie O’Donnell leads the Communications Services and Telecommunications Billing and Order Processing units within the Bureau of Enterprise Systems and Technology in Connecticut’s Department of Administrative Services.
Synopsis:
In this short interview we cover a lot of topics. Bernie tells us a bit about his role with the State of Connecticut and highlights a number of major successes. These include the roll out of a statewide network supporting public safety whose anchor tenant are the more than 100 call centers that take incoming 9-1-1 calls from the public and act as the keystone to government’s response. This multipurpose network will also eventually support communications to the state’s school districts. The goal is to maximize the value of that network for other applications.
Bernie talks about the challenges that individual agencies often face in dealing with telecommunications. Government priorities in the recent tight fiscal environment have caused postponement of investments in telecommunications upgrades. Bernie’s organization is innovating in the face of this challenge by offering individual agencies who can use it the most the opportunity to join an enterprise approach to telecommunications.
“The enterprise system will be operated, managed and upgraded without the agencies having to spend an inordinate amount of time individually,” Bernie said. “We can manage this much more efficiently and effectively and bring higher-end call center, Interactive Voice Response and other capacities to smaller agencies who wouldn’t be able to afford that type of capability on their own." Bernie continued that his agency expects that this approach will, “Provide efficiencies, save money, improve service levels and offload some of the telecommunications responsibilities from the agencies,” for whom this is a business overhead today.
In addition to his work with the State of Connecticut Bernie is an active member in the National Association of State Technology Directors. NASTD is the member-driven organization of technology professionals serving state government whose purpose is to advance and promote the effective use of information technology and services to improve the operation of state government. Bernie tells us of his current volunteer role as the organization’s treasurer and his previous experiences as a member of NASTD’s board when he served as president of the Eastern Region. Bernie also talks about the upcoming 36th Annual Conference & Technology Showcase that will take place August 25 - 29, 2013 in Charleston, South Carolina.
Bernie highlights key aspects of the agenda entitled, Climbing Into the Clouds Transforming Technology Services for Tomorrow and encourages anyone interested in promoting the increased ability for state government to provide services to the citizen to attend this valuable conference.
Bernie gives a preview of featured conference speakers including:
Mike Liebhold, Distinguished Fellow, Institute for the Future
Dr. Paul Marciano, Business Author: “Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work”; and keynote speaker,
The interview concludes with Bernie speaking about one of the most significant challenges facing state government, the anticipated retirement wave. The State of Connecticut as other states estimate that as many as 40 percent of the state’s workforce are retirement eligible in the next three years. Bernie says that one solution may be that the State of Connecticut looks to increased partnering with contractors. For functions that once would have been handled in house, Bernie says, “We now look to a corporate provider with oversight from the state.”
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Thank you for listening to this inaugural episode of the “L” channel. Please stay tuned for future editions. You may follow us on Twitter @LyceumPodcast and subscribe to our episodes on iTunes.
Warmest regards,
Guy Clinch Google
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