The work of the Select Board is leadership. Over the next decade and beyond, Plymouth faces fiscal, safety, climate, housing, transportation, and cultural challenges, among others, The recent Select Board reorganization demonstrated many things, but leadership was not among them. I question the process and timing of the reorganization of the Select Board, but mostly I question the wisdom of the board.
Ms. [Deb] Iaquinto stated that she was told “we could not wait … the board had to be reorganized now.” What was so urgent? Which “community leaders” were complaining? What were the actual complaints? What was the motivation for this sudden action: clarity, efficiency, effectiveness, ambition, or other buzzwords, perhaps? What risks were averted, what systemic problems clarified? What process changes proposed? What was the “simmering” story behind this reorganization that Mr. [Fred] Thys referred to in his Plymouth Independent article?
I believe this reorganization was premature and impulsive. Leadership transitions should be made carefully, thoughtfully, and transparently. Which raises a broader question of leadership: how this Board manage Plymouth’s significant challenges across time.
I suggest that the board take time together to reconsider this decision. Help the town understand this urgency and most importantly, begin your work to re-establish trust
– Joe Hutchinson