Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-06-10-Lexington Commission on Suburban Responsibility charge 457 ' Mrs . Christiansen, Mrs . Jick, Mr. Herbert Adams, and Committee members met with the Board Mr. Adamssaid that he would like to present the open- ing remarks and distributed copies of a proposal to the Board He said that Rev. Harding was unable to attend . We would like to dispense with trappings by launching im- mediately into the proposal We feel that, with the meet- ing we have already had, the preliminary work has been done We feel that the Selectmen are concerned with the many problems of violence, about what is going on in Wellesley, and we would like to anticipate by proposing to you tonight what we hope would meet with your approval. We propose that the Selectmen establish a commission which will enable the Town to examine what bearing our community conduct has on the ability of the metropolitan area as a whole to meet the needs of the impoverished and minority group citizens who are largely concentrated with- in the central city. We believe that the Town, acting both through its official governmental activities and also through the broader structure of its civic life, should afford the greatest possible opportunity to its citizens to come to grips with their responsibility to the crisis in our nation. Lex. The Commission should include a representative from Suburban the Selectmen, School Committee, Planning Board, and Hous- Resp. ing Authority. The remaining members should be privatee Comm. citizens , so chosen as to be broadly representative of the Chamber of Commerce, Civil Rights Committee, Council of Churches, Route 128 industries, League of Women Voters, PTA Council, Senior Citizens, service organizations , Town employees, youth service groups , and veterans ' organiza- tions . It should be possible to select some individuals who could maintain liason with other groups, both local and metropolitan. In the same way, some of the persons chosen should, of course be members of the Town Meeting. While the Commission would be concerned with the relationships which now do, and which ideally should, prevail between Lexington and Boston, it would have no formal powers. If and when it chose to recommend speci- fic courses of action to the Town, such recommendations would presumably carry some weight by virtue of having emanated from the Commission, exactly how much to depend, of course, on how effectively the Commission has been able to peroorm its assigned role. We do not believe it wise to try to forecast in any detail just how the Commission would or should proceed to carry out its assignment ; nor would we suggest a for- mal title. If organized as a committee to examine subur- ban responsibilities, a precise definition of name, structure and operation would necessarily be defined We do, however, believe that its functions should include : gi w. w. al Research: The development of a general picture of how Lexington fits into the metropolitan scene, with par- ticular reference to questions of income distribution, educational opportunities, housing and employment oppor- tunities . Co-ordination and Communication: A continuing com- pilation of official and non-official Wotnnactivities having a bearing on the concerns of the Commission. We believe that a systematic effort should be made to en- sure that persons and groups (both civic and corporate) whose activities are mutually related, either by duplica- tion or potential complementarity, should become aware of such relationships and be put in direct tough with each other through an instrument of the Town. Various state, regional, county and federal programs have local implications and are processed through the channels of local government ; citizen support of decisions made by elected representatives would be increased by an oppor- tunity to learn the alternatives faced by those charged with the administration of these programs . Education : An effort to liven the sense of commun- ity participation and responsibility. Use of various media would be essential; although use of mass communica- tion could be a part of this effort, individual interpre- tation of material thus presented varies . We believe that education must offer opportunities for widespread discussion of problems if there is to be understanding of and reasoned response to the challenge of social crisis . Sponsorship: Provision of leadership and organiza- tion for community-wide movements which do not seem to be a part of the official responsibility of any regularly constituted organ of government, but which would benefit from formal identification with the Town of Lexington. We hereby request that the Selectmen of Lexington undertake the immediate establishment of this Commission, appoint members thereto, and direct their attention to this proposal. Mr. Adams said that three organization have drafted this proposal . We have members here who would be happy to answer questions . Mr. Greeley asked if Mr. Adams believed that a group could function without compensations . Mr. Adams said that the only compensation they would like would be a part-time secretary. The Chairman asked who would support this . Mr. Adams said that, perhaps , the Town would ; maybe the Selectmen could come up with some ideas . Mr. Greeley said that, in the long run, a group like this has to have staff backing. He said that he wondered if there was enough enthusiasm to operate on. 459 Mrs Mitchell said that there was no question in her mind, the ladies would be delighted to cooperate; they could type, make telephone calls, etc. The Chairman said that within your group you have the personnel, later on the money could be requested by the Town, if needed . He suggested that if the members had any questions, to ask them, as dialogue is essential. Mr. Adams said that there is a feeling of urgency. They would like to hold the meeting during the week of June 16, as Mr. Harding had suggested in his letter, and an announcement made of the decision . Mr. Kenney said that, by decision, your mean appoint- ment. The Chairman asked who would conduct the all Town meeting. Mrs. Jick asked if the Board of Selectmen would call the meeting. In Brookline, the Board of Selectmen called the meeting, The Council of Commissions presented the case, and the Board of Selectmen convened it. Mr. Adams said that their major hope is that the Selectmen take up the ball and do what has to be done. If necessary, follow this proposal. The Chairman said that be wanted to get it clear, 9 you want us to appoint this Ad Hoc Commission, you would still want us to carry the ball to the all-Town meeting, an open meeting with people of the Town. If we appoint this Commission, the only thing to the Selectmen would be whatever prestige we add to the movement. Mr. Kenney said that if we were convinced of the desirability of this proposal, if we appointed the Com- mission and called the meeting, then if you wished to have a town-widefbrum . . Mr. Adams said that it could be done that way; our major interest is getting it done The Chairman said that if the Board feels favorably toward this, we could appoint a Commission. I have mixed feelings on an open meeting; it may have plenty of merit if the movement has any merit; how much would it suffer if it were poorly attended? Mr. Crawford said that as long as it is before the beginning of next month. We should get rolling; we should have been one of the first in this Town; let ' s make Lex- ington the town it is supposed to be. We know what exists , lets do first things first. The Chairman asked Dick Crawford if he felt that an open meeting is essential to this? Mr. Crawford replied that as long as you are behind this, it is essential. We are ready to do something So many of us do work in Boston, our own livelihood is in- !! volved . 460 Mr. Mabee said that these people want to have the Commission . Once the Commission gets together, they decide what they want, to have an all town meeting, or The Chairman said that the meeting was mentioned in Mr Hardings ' letter; they have to try and get all the support possible All you are doing is passing the deci- sion on to the Commitrhen. Mr. Greeley said that we want to appoint a Commission that we expect and require to report its recommendation tp us, depending on what they propose as to the commitments of the meeting. Mr. Adams said that, he felt that Rev. Harding might say that after the Commission is established they might want to plan an open meeting. We feel that the Town would benefit if a Commission were named and establish- ed before the last of the month. There is not much action until the fall Mr Kenney asked if we do this, would you people feel that you are moving along well, if we appoint and call the first meeting of the Commission. Mr Adams said it would be held sometime during the week of June 16th Mr. Kenney said that he did not think members could be appointed until next week, the week of the 17th Mr. Adams said that he would like to have members of the Commission appointed, for the large majority, by next week The Chairman said, and you want the Selectmen to call the first meeting of the Commission Mr. Mabee recommended that the Board of Selectmen make the nominations or take suggestions from the groups you enumerated . Mr. Adams said that the proposal reads that the Se&ect- men should make the appointments . Mr. Greeley felt that the Board should make the ap- pointments . Mr. Mabee asked if they wanted the Board to ask the Chamber of Commerce who they want, or would like to be ap- pointed . Mr. Abraham suggested that they have a list from which the members would be drawn. The Chairman suggested the organizations make the appointment. Mr. Mabee said that you want them to come up with one name. Mr. Michael said that the Selectmen should ask for re- commendations of leadership. I feel strongly that for the effectiveness of the Committee, members should be appoint- ed by the Board However you canvass the fiild, the final judgment rests with the Board of Selectmen. 46_� Mr. Mabee said that, at the start, you have an emo- tional atmosphere; after the first meeting, you might have the good lick to get fifty people out. I much pre- fer the course of action outlined here, to get the com- mission organized and take the thing slowly. Discussion was held on appointments from the various groups outlined in the proposal plus others, such as the Girl Scouts, DeMolay, etc. Mr. Greeley felt that it we start adding up the or- ganizations that ought to be interested in this, we would get a representative group that is much too large. We are really after a group of fifteen individuals. One individual may represent a group. They must be appointed as individuals, and at the same time represent the group. If it is set up that we appoint someone from this organ- ization, it is not going to be a strong group. The Chairman said that someone in the Chamber of Com- merce may belong to three groups . He asked if it was generally agreed that there would be not more than fifteen members . Mr Adams agreed . The Chairman said that the motion would be to accept the proposal as submitted and move forewith with the appointing of the Commission and calling of the meeting the week of June 16, 1968. Mr. Kenney said that he would like to discuss the date of June 16th. The Chairman said that he would select members for this Commission if the Board had enough confidence to give him this latitude Mr. Mabee suggested that it be split up; he would be willing to help the Chairman. Mr. Cataldo felt that the Commission would be much more effective if we come up with a list and they then appoint the Chairman, or his designee. Some people have a work load that is more than they can carry. Basically, their Chairman would know best who would do the best job in this case. The Chairman said that the Board could authorize the Chairman to appoint, subject to recommendation to the Chairman of the Board or Commission, a Lexington Ad Hoc Commission. Mr. Kenney said that if you are going to ask for their recommendations, you make the choice . You can't just limit to organizations, you would get more. Mrs. Christiansen said that when we said this, we meant one Mr. Adams said that after we take the first four, from that point on they would be members at large, rated on individual merit . The Chairman suggested Town Meeting members. 4162 2 aD Mr. Greeley said that if the Chairman is willing to work with some of the officers and these baeople and if he could come into the meeting with the recommended list, the appointments should be made by the Board . The Chairman said that the procedure I would follow is, I would say that your first meeting is this night ; approving these people after the fact. Mr. Adams asked if the Chairman could submit this - that their appointment is subject to the approval of the Board . Mr. Cataldo said that he had no qualms about them making the appointments ; the people appointed should serve because they want to serve. The Chairman said that before the meeting ended, they could have one member from the School Committee and one from the Planning Board. Mr. Cataldo said that the point is to get other peo- ple involved to get the job done. The Chairman said that he is going to ask them for their designee, there is a sense of urgency in this matter. Mr. Mabee said that if there wasntt a sense of urgency, they could do a lot better making appointments . You should take your time about this get people who would un- derstand the import of this . Mr. Greeley felt that the week of the 16th was rushe ing it . Mr. Mabee agreed and said , but if you have to have it done that week, we will do it. Mr. Adams asked how much more time would be needed . Mr. Greeley suggested that it be within the month of June, rather than the week of June 16th Mr Mabee said to extend it one week and Mr. Cataldo agreed . Mr. Adams agreed and said that they all know the ur- gency, and you need the time Mr Greeley said that if you try to get an open meet- ing in ten days , you might have a melee or a sit-in. Such a meeting takes a lot of preparation, instead of hearing quickly prepared speeches . Mr. Crawford said, you people surprise me tonight, an open meeting might be more effective; organize around this, something will have been started in a constructive way. Mr. Adams said that it would be some place that or- ganizations can go to other organizations . We would be gratified if you would take action on the motion made. The Chairman asked if they were satisfied with the dialogue this evening, and all agreed L 4.63 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to create a Lexington Ad Hoc Commission for the purposes stated in the proposal Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to come in with a list of proposed names . The Chairman said that they were to feel free to call all members of the Board. Mr. Alan Adams voiced an objection to the name, Lex- ington Ad Hoc Commission. Discussion followed and Mr. Alan Adams suggested, The Lexington Suburban Responsibility Commission. It was unanimously agreed that the Commission is to be, The Lexington Suburban Responsibility Commission. Mr. Herbert Adams thanked the Board and the group retired at 9 :08 P.M.