re: Abortion Resolution

Elizabeth McLoughlin and Dan Quipp worry about resolutions being ineffective. But both of them voted for the ineffective energy committee letter in November 2020, even as the board said it was “unsubstantial” and “frightening”. In 2017 the board supported the resolution supporting the Paris Climate Accords, also ineffectual and outside their jurisdiction, and the letter supported this. If they want a substantial commitment, then they can include the funding for advocacy and reproductive care. And if they want to include RTM, that can be done in 40 days.

Daniel Quipp says he has an additional worry. He doesn’t want people thinking he promised legal protections and care here in Brattleboro. Piffle !! No one thinks the resolution would be a personal commitment from him. Besides, this is representative government. In case of an emergency resolution like this the board’s wisdom would come not in advancing its own opinion, but in their knowing the opinions of the people.

About the commitment for the town and the town finances, Ms. Gelter and Mr. Goodnow are eager, but again Mr. Quipp and Ms. McLoughlin are hesitant, perhaps misunderstanding their place in the process. Not everything presses on their shoulders. Two examples: in 2018 BCS filed a petition for a resolution to create an energy/sustainability coordinator, and it was funded by RTM. Then the board followed with the details and the hiring. In 2017 RTM approved a resolution to ban plastic bags. The board followed up by drafting the plastic bag ordinance. This resolution will not allocate the money or specify the legalities. If the selectboard approves the resolution with the funding amendment, then that is THEIR commitment. The teeth of the resolution are in THEM. The selectboard must then follow through, and it looks like the board is almost ready for this hard work.

The board will consider the resolution in two weeks. Let us plan and ensure a strong resolution !