Select Board member Hwei-Ling Greeney, who is running for re-election on April 1, visited class and a lively discussion ensued.
This was after class members talked about recent messages left in the men's rooms in two separate buildings threatening violence. Students said they're concerned about the messages, to which UMass officials have alluded vaguely in campus-wide alerts. Warning students to be careful while keeping the campus open is sending a mixed message, they said, calling it "weird" and "unsettling."
Hwei-Ling described how she and her family used to pick asparagus in Hadley when they first moved to Amherst from Tennessee. She's a "frugal-living person" somewhat at odds with the current American culture, she said.
Asked about board meetings, she said they do go on a long time. "We like to talk, I guess," she allowed. But the board also encourages the public to talk a lot, in contrast to the school committee, she said.
Hwei-Ling stressed that she's an "independent voice" who always does her homework and presents her findings in memos to the board. And she's not afraid to disagree with the town manager. "We pay him $125,000 a year," she said, "the guy should carry out our orders."
On another note, my brother Billy sent me these wonderful photos of a temple in Singapore from where he has recently returned.
Just one more tiny Smith Bulb Show photo.
Hwei-Ling stressed that she's an "independent voice" who always does her homework and presents her findings in memos to the board. And she's not afraid to disagree with the town manager. "We pay him $125,000 a year," she said, "the guy should carry out our orders."
ReplyDeleteI think it's great you've invited candidates and Select Board members who are running again to your class.
I imagine Hwei-Ling is "not afraid to disagree" with anyone, and in constructive forums with all due respect, this is precisely the process by which boards or committee's make good policy.
While it's productive to have Town Manager Larry Shaffer have a seat at the table, it's counterproductive when he exceeds his authority - with our without the tacit approval of certain select board members - and makes policy.
Mr Shaffer certainly gets to voice his policy ideas and vet them but it is not his job to enforce them unless the Select Board adopts them.
When will we see a Kendrick Park use policy proposal for public review?