Enfield Things

  Town Council, YouTube capture I’ve worked as a news reporter for 45 years, as a local news reporter but a longer period as a tech policy reporter based in Washington. I believe very strongly in government transparency. I’m trying to fill a few gaps in our local news coverage and analysis of issues, and it’s more of a hobby, a way of contributing to the town. This is now home. In the spirit of contributing to the town, here’s something that is making me angry. Enfield has generally done a good job of making some meetings accessible on YouTube. I applaud the town for these broadcasts and for making available meeting agendas that include the supporting documentation. However, these same standards are not being applied to the Charter Revision Commission (CRC). The commission is not broadcasting the meetings, and they are not making supporting documentation readily available. The public deserves video The CRC's work is important. The commission may recommend Charter changes impacting...

  [Correction appended on bottom] The Town Council will consider repealing the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee at its meeting on Tuesday. While the committee has no authority over hiring or administrative decisions, it plays a vital role in fostering a more inclusive community as Enfield evolves to reflect its changing demographics. Some of us who supported the creation of the DEI Committee in 2022 are graduates of Enfield High School from the early 1970s. We've seen this town's history unfold, and we believe the committee is essential to help Enfield become the best version of itself and protect it from costly litigation. Removing the DEI committee now would be a mistake. While Enfield's demographics continue to change, the town has a history of blind spots regarding inclusion, including raising this issue one day after Martin Luther King Day. The role of the DEI Committee in preventing legal issues One of the DEI Committee's main functions is to flag ...

Charter Revision Commission meeting last week Enfield’s Charter Revision Commission met Thursday for its first in-depth workshop, generating a long list of proposals that could significantly alter how the town governs itself. Ideas ranged from switching to a two-year budget cycle, allowing a budget referendum, and compensating elected officials, or even shifting to a mayoral form of government. Other proposals included banning profanity on signs, locking non-governmental flag restrictions into the Charter, and changes such ending council districts. The meeting was structured as a pitch session, with each commission member suggesting topics for future discussion. In-depth discussions are to take place at subsequent meetings. While many proposals are unlikely to move forward—either because of insufficient support or legal concerns raised by the Town Attorney—the meeting highlighted potential flashpoints for what promises to be a spirited Charter revision process. Mayor Nelson’s Proposals...

AI generated image of a meeting of town officials The Enfield Charter Revision Commission will meet this week to discuss potential changes to the town charter. If the process becomes politicized—and there's a real risk of that happening—it could result in a deeply divisive and bitter outcome that harms our local governance. We won't know whether any ideas listed below have real potential, but they have a pulse. What follows isn't a comprehensive list of what might come up, but it's a good reason to pay attention and attend these meetings. The Charter Revision Commission will meet on Jan. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Scitico Room. Town officials should reconsider the decision not to televise these meetings. While open to the public, unlike council meetings, there is no agenda item for public comment. The commission's first public hearing was in December. The Charter Revision process must prioritize fairness, transparency, and inclusivity to avoid divisiveness and serve the ...