Commentary
Saving Parsonage House
The old house is one of those places you drive by — nearly every day if you live up-Island and frequently if you live anywhere else on the Vineyard and come through West Tisbury on State Road. Probably you take it for granted, and that’s the way it is with the old houses and barns of the Vineyard that are so much a part of its architectural and living character and history.
We take them for granted until they are gone.
A majority of the citizens decided to secure by peaceful means if possible, a change in the existing form of government and an adhesion to a democratic system of elections of officers. Desiring to spare the aged head of the government any unnecessary personal humiliation, they addressed a letter to him which stated “First our wish for you is that you would be pleased to lay aside your government and act with us so we shall choose you to be in place this year, and afterward as the yearly choice by election shall fall.”
For Valentine’s Day, an essay about love and something more, first published in the Gazette in February, 2011.
Land Bank Position
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
The following letter was sent to the Edgartown selectmen from the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank.
I am writing regarding the mini-park on Main street. You had asked the land bank to consider contributing to its acquisition.
The land bank commission has now discussed this matter several times in the past few weeks and has determined that it does not support land bank involvement here. The central reason is financial. Allow me please to explain.
CALL FOR CANDIDATES
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
A functioning democracy requires the participation of its citizens.
That is something which we in the United States take for granted.
But the reality is that very few people actually take the time and trouble to take part in their local political processes, leaving decisions that affect them to be made by the very few activists.
By participation, I don’t just mean speaking up at annual town meeting.
Divided Past
From Gazette editions of February, 1986:
When the Edgartown selectmen proposed a subdivision moratorium last week, they were unaware that just one night earlier the West Tisbury selectmen and members of the planning board had proposed the same thing for their town. It was pure coincidence.