Sidewalks go for the "whole enchilada"

.    It is doubtful anyone would disagree that something needs to be done about the condition of our town's sidewalks, downtown and on Lincoln Street to name two locations.  Furthermore, most, if not all, are beyond repair and need total replacement.  Replacement options include asphalt, concrete or brick, in increasing order of cost. 

     It would appear, over the rational argument by two members of the Board of Selectmen and one citizen at a recent meeting, that the Town will likely proceed with writing a warrant article for a $1.2 million to replace sidewalks on Water Street and portions of Lincoln and Front Streets and a small portion in the vicinity of the String Bridge.  It would specify $580 thousand for the downtown/Front Street/ String Bridge sidewalks, with the $620 thousand remainder reserved for "future" sidewalk work. Two of the Selectmen are arguing for three separate warrant articles: $580k for the concrete sidewalks, $620k for a sidewalk reserve fund and $250k for brick enhancements as is being proposed by a private citizen.

     It is no surprise that Selectman Chartrand again ignores public input and that of other Board members by pushing to go for the entire $1.2 million in one warrant article..  After all, as he has often said, he knows what the voters are thinking and how they will vote.  Sadly there is some truth to the latter.  Exeter is a highly partisan town.  There is a voting block, representing the minority of registered voters, upon which Chartrand holds his view that he can get the necessary support.  The majority do not involve themselves in Town affairs, nor do they vote.  However, in the past, voters have turned down efforts to spend $6 million for downtown beautification.  They might balk at voting for Chartrand's proposed warrant article. 

     It should be mentioned here that Selectman Chartrand has a vested interest, as a downtown business owner, in replacing downtown sidewalks.  He is a strong proponent of downtown beautification.  It would seem he has a conflict of interest in this matter and should recuse himself from this issue. 
     It is high time that the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager give serious consideration to public input and opinion as it reflects what many think is the more reasonable and affordable approach to resolving an issue.