EMBRACE CHANGE!

 Someone recently commented to me on change, and the response it elicits.  She said that sometimes people fear change, resisting the impact it may have on their routine, their comfort zone.  She said that after a change is embraced, a person can begin to envision the new possibilities and see the big picture. I would like to use this blog to talk about the changes I would like to make in Kensington, and why I believe embracing change will reinvigorate the Town after several years of turmoil.

I also want to consider the one thing we all agree on- ending the divisiveness and disenfranchisement at meetings and around town.  We all want a convivial town, probably that more than any other specific characteristic.  To get there it is important to understand our relations to one-another in broad terms so that it is clear how we got where we are and what we need to do differently.

 If, as it is said, that the family is the basic building block of society, then a town is a family of families.  This is how we should be seeing each other, and treating each other.  As with all families relationships are a two-way street, but even without reciprocity I think it is important to be genuine, open, and honest with one-another.  We should hold the town leadership to at least as high a standard, because they represent us, and reflect our values.

 At town meetings, people with differing views should be listened to, not just heard, and their ideas considered on merit of what they say.  The Mayor and Council should work through Town business publicly, rather than behind closed doors, which is why I want to bring back work sessions.  Aside from the ethics issues, there may be a basic human need to be involved in the issues that affect us, even if only as bystanders.

 In a small town like Kensington, we don't have to be bystanders.  There is room enough for everyone to be involved in the issues that matter to them.  Because running Kensington should be fun, and because ours is a system that benefits from enlisting talent and enthusiasm, I want to open up volunteer committees to all residents, not just those who are hand selected.  In a small town- a family of families, we can do that, and because we can, we should.  Being welcoming of others’ ideas and accepting of a plurality of opinions is a change we should all embrace.