Recall?

I wrote a Traveler editorial in the paper today stating our (my) belief that neither side on the commission divide should be ridiculed for their vote. I also believe that a recall is not warranted — not the kind of conflict the town needs. Emotions will soften as time advances, I hope.

I get the sense that more people favored this deal than opposed it, but it's impossible to really tell without a scientific survey. I am sure that it divided the town.

One thought struck me late last night after the vote — had this come up 10 month ago, the result would be totally different. In fact the previous commission might have voted 5-0 in favor.

This vote helps define what kind of shift we experienced in elected leadership. It makes clear that voters elected Margolius, Smith and Kuhn in a kind of populist uprising that seem to reject the "progressive" politics of the sitting commission. It was s sort of "listen to the people, back to basics" movement with mistrust of those in office.

Now we have anger at the reverse — anger at not advancing economic development and for allegedly putting their heads into sand at progress. The anger appears to run deep. But how wide is this feeling? I guess we'll find out in the coming days if a recall is launched and followed through.