Ghost of Midnight

Local public officials in Vermont…

Local town officials in Vermont, whether paid or volunteer, have a tough lot.  They take on many challenging tasks, and they frequently are criticized for their efforts.

Attorney Charlie Merriman, or Tarrant, Gillies, Merriman & Richardson, shared the following tidbit with participants at the 69th Annual Town Officers Education Conferences across the state…

Always bear in mind the constitutional goal underpinning our open meeting and public records laws: “Officers of government are trustees and servants of the people and it is in the public interest to enable any person to review and criticize their decisions even though such examination may cause inconvenience or embarrassment.” 1VSA§315

More than 1,000 local public officials participate on their Front Porch Forums in Vermont.  As a citizen and tax payer, I’m grateful for their active participation… and their thick skins.