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REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER - Continued local governments with the expense borne locally. An example is the introduction of the new state building code in 1975. This is a major desirable step toward uniform building codes. One part of that program, however, will now require the local governments to conduct the inspection of schools, churches, nursing homes, theaters and a long list of similar commercial buildings which previously have been handled by state inspections. Until the legislature begins to respect the home rule principle it has adopted, we can expect this trend to continue. As this is written, we are reopening negotiations, under the new law now in effect, with the three unions which represent most of the employees in public works, fire and police departments. This revolutionary legislation provides for final and binding arbitration as the means of settlement when voluntary negotiations fail. The effect can be that virtually the entire personal services bud - COLLECTIVE get may be determined by an arbitration panel (selected under the direction of the State Board of Arbitration and Conciliation) whose BARGAINING members have no obligation or accountability to the taxpayer or town meeting. The traditional appropriation authority will have been legally circumvented when a money issue is resolved by third party binding arbitration. We intend to continue our policy of negotiating vigor- ously and fairly on behalf of the taxpayers while giving full consideration to economic and security needs and rights of our employees. We shall negotiate on a "something for something" basis in the true spirit of collective bargaining. The pressures on suburban communities to adapt to meet housing and transporta- tion, social and environmental changes emphasizes the need for increased attention in Lexington to broad comprehensive planning to meet well- defined long range com- munity goals and objectives. I feel that the town needs a better organization than now exists to establish the goals and objectives which would define the desirable characteristics which Lexington should vigor - LONG TERM ously fight to retain where they now exist as well as those that it needs to create in order to continue to be the kind of com- PLANNING munity the name Lexington has come to personify. I will continue, hopefully with the help of the town's major boards and com- mittees to search for this more effective organization mechanism. Several other Massachusetts municipalities have successfully done this with exciting results. Walter C. O'Connell Town Manager Closing the Generation Gap The old, with their wisdom and earthbound experience, are neces- sary correctives to the soaring fantasy, untested idealism, and despair of youth. But the intensity, idealism, and despair of youth are equally needed correctives to the pragmatism, cynicism, and pallor of age. It is important, desperately important, that we accept our youth for their idealism and that they accept us for our experience. John R. Silber President, Boston University 10