I DON'T FAVOR THE STATUS QUO. DO YOU?

Recent events have clearly shown the time for talk is over. The time for action is now.


We've been talking about the water crisis, the audit report, about what happened, why it happened, and who's to blame for far too long. What I'm focused on now is what, from an operational point of view, is the best way to manage our utilities. 
Last week the BoS and Advisory Board discussed the recommendations for governance of the water and sewer departments [click here for previous blog], it became apparent that a majority of your town government is in favor of leaving things just the way they are. I'm not.
It wasn't just the Commissions: there were significant failings in Town Hall and in the Finance Department. These have been identified and corrective measures are being taken. A new Finance Director is establishing accounting and municipal finance processes and procedures, the department is being reorganized and funding for an integrated modern accounting software package will be sought at the Annual Town Meeting. The BoS and Advisory Board are being required to exercise oversight. The enterprise funds are being co-managed by the Interim Town Manager.
The SOP of the past will not be tolerated. You will learn more about this at the March 1 BoS meeting where the Town Auditor will present the FY10 audit and management letters. The ITM and FD will respond and present their plan for addressing specific issues.
Some say that's enough. It's not. We need a professional to manage our municipal utilities. Why? Isn't that what the Commissioners do? Yes, but they are part-time volunteers who rely on the consulting engineers and plant operators to make decisions and while well-intentioned don't have the skill set and expertise to challenge the professionals. They're not supposed to but we need someone who does. 
The reports recommend combining the commissions into a smaller board that is appointed and advisory. If we have a professional with the right skill set and experience, do we really need more bureaucracy and shouldn't we eliminate the political aspect entirely? Elected officials are political and an advisory board will be appointed by selectmen - also elected and political. 
Some say we need to keep the elected officials because they give you a voice. They do but only if you make your voice heard. We didn't. We're busy. We trusted. We can't afford to - literally. 
I'd like to think our community will become more involved and informed. The reality is when this blows over we'll go back to our lives and with no one stepping forward to run for office how do we change government? With the right contract we can fire an incompetent employee.
Creating a utility superintendent is not the wrong action to take. What is, is not admitting the failures of our existing system, clinging to the status quo, and refusing to make the changes necessary to ensure Cohasset's financial future out of fear and/or misplaced loyalty. This isn't some new, wild idea. It's been the trend in municipal government for some time. 
I've said it before and I still believe it: the $40,000,000 Cohasset corporation needs to be run like a business. 
What we make of this opportunity is entirely up to us. We can continue to operate within our comfort zone or we can be bold and ensure Cohasset's future rests on solid management and financial practices. Cohasset is at a crossroads. Change for change sake is of no value. Adapting to changing circumstances is essential to success. 

Recent events have clearly shown the time for talk is over. The time for action is now.


[Melanson & Heath Audit and 2004 MMA Report click here to view]

THE Water/Sewer AUDIT IS FINALLY DONE: Public Presentation Tuesday, January 25

The audit of the water and sewer enterprise funds is as complete as it's going to get and will be presented by the auditor on Tuesday, January 25 at 7pm in the school committee meeting room. The meeting is open to the public or if you have Comcast you can see it in the comfort of your home or set your DVR to Channel 22.


John Sullivan of Melanson & Heath has worked diligently over the past months to provide the town with an independent financial and management audit including a recommendation on the future governance of the water and sewer departments. John's professionalism, dedication and integrity cannot be overstated. Town officials and the public will hear the results for the first time together: no one has had a preview. The results of the audit will reveal what the town needs to do to balance the FY11 budget in order to get DOR certification so tax bills can be issued. 

Once the presentation has been made the report will be posted on the Town's website.

UPON REFLECTION: Rocky Laugelle & Ed Lappen

In recent weeks, Cohasset has lost two public servants, Rocky Laugelle and Ed Lappen. Men who shared a love of this town and gave of their time and energy to work to secure its future. Rocky was on the water & sewer commission and after 15 years as selectman, retired in 1994. At the time of his passing, Ed was integrally involved and a significant contributor to four vital town committees: advisory board, budget planning group, water planning group and the audit oversight committee. Both were active in community organizations. They served their town well. They will be missed.


I did not know Rocky except as a local icon; everything I do know is from the Mariner's tribute. Conversely I had the honor to sit on committees with Ed. On the face of it, the two were not alike: one a Townie, the other a Denizen of Precinct 1; one elected, the other appointed; one boisterous, the other soft spoken. But in the important respects they were: a deep love of family and community, a common sense perspective, the courage of their convictions, the selfless dedication to public service, an unbridled passion for life, and the ability to agree to disagree. Neither was from the manor born. They got it. They knew you get out what you put in. 


No agendas, just the best interest of the Town. Rocky stepped up to the plate. Ed came after. Who will follow in their very big footprints? 


Ed Lappen Obituary, Boston Globe