2004-12-02-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 2, 2004 is expressing an AC position. PH said we should make that clear when we offer an opinion, that this is “not an official AC position.” - PH described his experience with the newly-formed Health Care Committee. He was asked by the BOS chair to convene and chair the first meeting. At that meeting, a new chair was elected but PH finished chairing the first meeting and then new chair took over. PH shared health benefits information he’s collected on behalf of AC. AC members agreed that sharing this information is appropriate. PH said he will remember that when the Health Care Committee completes its work and has a proposal, he has to be circumspect since the AC will independently review this proposal and come to its own determination on a recommendation. - PH’s other liaison assignment is to 20/20 Committee. Haven’t been making determinations of any kind, but he has been very active collecting information from other towns. He has identified himself as AC liaison. He has offered some preliminary thoughts, but will be careful when deliberations take place. EM remarked that there is a significant difference between information-gathering and decision-making. He doesn’t think the former poses a problem. AL remarked that it may be a fine line. DK phrased it as “push/pull” rule. Liaison shouldn’t push information – the committee should do the pull. Battin said Bill Lahey made a similar point - don’t lead the work, don’t direct the work. JB probed this point a bit with a hypothetical situation. Suppose members of a committee think something is a fact or a wise decision or policy, but you as liaison know they’re wrong. Would be foolish not to share that information. We ought to be able to offer helpful advice or correction without leading the deliberation; this advances the public interest. - DB is/has been liaison to various search committees. She does not participate in votes, but she believes she should offer her opinions on candidates. AC members all agreed. AC members agreed that common sense should rule in our roles as liaisons; members should exercise good judgment and bring any concerns back to the AC for discussion, direction. 3. Continuation of discussion of campaign participation: Some interest expressed in amending AC’s previous position to allow anonymous contributions. Some concern about size of contributions. Also discussion of spouse participation in campaigns. AC tabled discussion for the evening with no new proposal on the table. Will take up again at next meeting; for now, AC members still bound by last year’s vote. 4. Budget discussion: a. PH’s proposal: Objectives/assumptions in PH’s document: ?? Should try to deal with a 4-year perspective. Whatever we do, should be revisited each year to fine-tune with information we have that’s new. Best place to start is Page 3 of 8