1983-03-07 to 1983-05-16-ATM-min

Browse Search

(Annual Tow Meeting - April 4, 1983. Article 2. (Continuation of Mr. Zehner's report:) (Cont.) After learning that six or seven months might likely elapse before we knew for sure that the President and Premier Trudeau could attend, I made informal inquiries of local individuals and local businesses and of broad corporate possible sources. The response was lukewarm. It was a poor economic climate in which to solicit funds to begin with but there were other problems. Canada had indeed received its constitution but it had long been independ- ent in all but name. Much was made by Premier Trudeau of the signing of the constitution by Queen Elizabeth but not for genera - tions had Canada been shackled by any colonial status. In no sense was it akin to the emerging African nations casting off the bonds of its European parents. It has been said that the independence it gained was largely cosmetic. It was a weak peg on which to hang an international birthday celebration. Another fact intruded. Friendly neighbors tho Canada and America had been, respected allies in two World Wars, in recent years commercial relations have not been tranquil. Differences arising in energy problems have been a source of really irri- tating contro- very. Those differences and others still exist. It is fine to celebrate a peaceful past but if we follow the pattern of President Ford's visit in 1975, a gracious exchange of pleasantries between the two participants in 10 or 15 minute ex- changes might paper over differences but not remove them. No, the action should be based on profound study and on a meeting of the minds. April 19th doesn't seem appropriate. Nevertheless, the concept is a noble one. It should not be allowed to die. The opportunity to emphasize the peace loving aspects of America must not be lost. What alternative is possible? Several months ago there was national publicity that Canada owns a prime site on Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington on which it plans to build a 40 -50 million dollar embassy. Mr. Trudeau had appointed an architect but action was then in limbo because of opposition to his selection. I do not know how far away ground breaking may be but that occasion seems a heaven sent opportunity to capitalize on our many many years of peace along our 3,000 mile frontier. A second act to the ground breaking could be the dedication and house warming of the completed Embassy. I profoundly hope that the failure of the plan to materialize for 1983 may be only a postponement, not the death of a noble endeavor. 10:40 P.M. Mr. Zenner then made the following motion: MOTION: That the Board of Selectmen be asked to write the U. S. Secretary of State to remind him of the existence of this undefended 3,000 mile border with Canada and to use the information as seems best to emphasize this long demonstration of America's peaceful attribute, possibly at the ground breaking of the projected Canadian Embassy in Washington. The Moderator ruled that this resolution was adopted unanimously. 10:41 P.M. Margaret F. Rawls questioned an item in the Town Manager's Status Report on Open Money Articles that had been filed this evening under Article 2 and she was given the explanation by Town Counsel, Norman P. Cohen. 10:45 P.M. James F. Crain moved that this meeting be adjourned to Wednesday, April 6, 1983 at 8 P.M. in Cary Memorial Hall. Adopted unanimously. 10:46 P.M. A true copy. Attest: Mary R. McDonough, Town Clerk