The Town of Hope just had a remarkable special town meeting with over 183 people attending.  It was a significant meeting to decide on fire truck repairs and whether to move a solar project forward to its next phase. 

People had questions, comments and opinions and anyone who has something to say had the opportunity to speak. It was small town participatory democracy in action and I was proud to be part of it.  In this period of such political divide, harsh words and rancor, this remarkable meeting was filled with patience, good humor, the requisite baked goods for sale and a common purpose – what is best for the Town of Hope.

Thank you to our moderator patient yet firm, Rick McKittrick and the Solar Committee members (Chris Pinchbeck , Rick Bresnahan, David Hall, Thomas Ingraham, Bill Jones, Ron Smith and Langley Willauer and Tim Lock as consultant) for their work, commitment and perseverance over a long period to present this opportunity to our town.

The outcome of the solar project is still an open question as it moves on to the next phase but for me the question “can we still have public constructive open dialogue and work together for our common interests”  has been soundly answered with a resounding YES.

Larrain Slaymaker lives in Hope