WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON, ANYWAY?

Lately, I get asked that question by both sides of an issue and from some in town government. Some ask nicely, some don't. 
Ultimately, any decision I make has to be in the best interest of the town which sometimes is not in the best interest of all of the townspeople. Herein lies the conundrum: how to justify negatively impacting some to the greater good of the whole. I've never resolved that within myself but I focus on the facts, filter out the politics and make the best decision I can. It's never easy.
Since I've been elected there have been a few of these: Treat's Pond, Cat's Dam, police chief, stormwater flooding, sewer betterments. These have been very difficult to say the least as they affected people I know, like and respect and many more who are unknown to me. 
Every decision results in a portion of the community fuming at me and another thanking me and I'd never make any decision if I only took into account the political aspect or worried about being re-elected.
Some say leave it to town meeting to decide. Well, if we leave it to town meeting to decide the 'hard ones' why did you elect us? To make the easy ones? I became a selectman to do more than issue liquor licenses and preside over pole hearings. Having standing socially or politically never mattered to me. 
In campaigning I said I wouldn't be afraid to make the tough decisions. I haven't. Most people like that until it affects them. Others like it no matter what.
I've never advocated for a vested interest or let personal connections influence me. Whatever decision I make, it's mine and I don't run away from it. 
I admire Margaret Thatcher for her strength and determination and her sense of humor. Here's a couple of quotes that hit home to me these days: "Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by traffic from both sides." and "I seem to smell the stench of appeasement in the air."