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The Selectmen Report upon the Developments and the Challenges in THE STATE OF LEXINGTON In his book, "One Man's America," Alistair Cooke tells this story: On the 19th of May, 1780, in Hartford, Connecticut, the skies at noon turned from blue to gray and by midafternoon had blackened over so densely that, in that religious age, men fell on their knees and begged final blessing before the end came. The Connecticut House of Representatives was in session. And as some men fell down in the darkened chamber and others clamored for an imme- diate adjournment, the Speaker of the House, one Colonel Davenport, came to his feet. And he silenced the din with these words: "The Day of Judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. I wish, therefore, that candles be brought. Let us be about our business." To our fellow citizens we emphasize that there is no opportunity for adjournment. To those who are concerned with building and maintaining good government in Lexington, and with the difficult and burdensome tasks in the years ahead, we ask that you bring us candles to illuminate our way and to share in your government to the utmost. The two hundred and fifty- fourth year since our incorporation as the Town of Lexington is now history. As we enter the gate of a new year, we are reminded of lines by a little known poet: And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, 'Give me a light that I may head safely into the unknown.' " As we look back, our view is one of a continuing process of government of, by, and for the people who are our fellow townsmen. We are reminded that the march of matters which require decisions, week in and week out, is the implementation of responsibility called for in the by -laws of our town: "The selectmen shall have the general direction and manage- ment of the property and affairs of the town in all matters not otherwise provided for by law." Many of the matters which require deliberation and decision are continuing responsi- bilities. Many others are major concerns which may be brought to a conclusion. Still others relate to town affairs and issues that are new and will occupy our attention and concern in the months and years ahead. A dynamic community with an active citizenry is a strong community. Here, in our part of this great nation, we must come to grips with conditions not theory. The need for co- 5 On facing page: —A home on Robinson Hill