Very interesting week! Small town politics!!
The road in front of our house is being redesigned to slow traffic for safety. Our immediate neighbor opposes the plan as he is very inconvenienced. Our other neighbor really supports the plan and wants it for the safety of his children.
They both wanted me to support their side of the story.
Of course, in neighborly situations, it is very important to be helpful, since it might be one's own turn next!
This week there was a town meeting where we all had to show up and speak to the town council on whether we as a community, supported or opposed the proposed plan.
There was no place to hide. And I was on stage - with both neighbors staring at me expecting to support their cause, with most of neighbors staring at me and the town selectmen listening to what I had to say.
I decided to speak in the manner befitting good diplomatic protocol.
I agreed with the situation of the neighbor to my left. I agreed with the situation of the neighbor to my right. And then proceeded to blame the transportation board for not coming up with the plan that suits both neighbors needs! And suggested they go back to the drawing board!
Here is the story in the local newspaper ...
Brookline Board of Selectmen: June 30, 2015, appeal hearing | Brookline Beacon
 |
| Road modification plan |
They both wanted me to support their side of the story.
Of course, in neighborly situations, it is very important to be helpful, since it might be one's own turn next!
This week there was a town meeting where we all had to show up and speak to the town council on whether we as a community, supported or opposed the proposed plan.
 |
| Board of Selectmen Meeting |
I decided to speak in the manner befitting good diplomatic protocol.
I agreed with the situation of the neighbor to my left. I agreed with the situation of the neighbor to my right. And then proceeded to blame the transportation board for not coming up with the plan that suits both neighbors needs! And suggested they go back to the drawing board!
Here is the story in the local newspaper ...
Brookline Board of Selectmen: June 30, 2015, appeal hearing | Brookline Beacon
12 comments:
You are in the wrong job, mate.
Well done.
Neighborhood issues are so sensitive. We had a neighbor who wanted to counsel troubled teens out of her house a few years back…during the township mtg, she said that the neighbors were overly concerned about having troubled teens in the neighborhood and the only thing that they really do is drive too fast…township board literally laughed in her face…troubled teens driving fast through a neighborhood…yeah, let’s give an exemption for that one….
Very clever, Mr. Ambassador. Have you thought about a career at the UN?
Truly a diplomatic approach - without alienating either of your neighbors! Hope something good works out!
You should run for office!
Brilliant
You should have gone to law school - the courts can use you .... Perfect!
Very well planned. After 30 years in public life I can give you no better advice!
That's a true Diplomat style (not Political)👍😄
Sounds like my small town ...!
Smooth ...!
You should run for political office - you have started!
Post a Comment