Recently, the Windham Town Councilors were asked what ideas, projects and concerns they have for Windham. I want to say how much I appreciate all that these councilors have expressed. They are great ideas.

First, my hat is off to Blaine Davis on his understanding of the need for better communications with our citizens. He is dead right. We have the resources at hand that, with very modest investment, could get our meetings, and many other things much more accessible to the public. It would however take more investment into our communications lines but it is an investment worth making. Thank you, Blaine for bringing this vision to the council.

Cheers to Donna Chapman for her passion toward the Parson Smith House. She rightfully notices that it is the jewel in the crown of Windham. It is a profoundly important historic structure and parcel of land and the potentials that it offers are immense. While this would necessitate substantial resources it is abundant with possibilities.

I am thankful for the continued concern and leadership that Councilor Bob Muir has taken for the Little Falls Conveyance System and the Keddy Mill Development in South Windham. This has been a long time coming but it will be a huge benefit for South Windham and the entire town, as well as, the Presumpscot River. Thank you Councilor Muir for keeping your eye on that ball.

Councilor Kaile Warren should be commended for the ideas that he brings to the council. Whether or not one sees them as feasible or appropriate for Windham, they bear a quality of vision that has long been missing. As a formidable, and visionary, entrepreneur I expect he has quite a reservoir of such ideas. Be they vertical farming, horizontal lights, or elevated roads they all address real concerns and I hope he continues to bring them forward. I also know that other councilors have strong notions for Windham.

Councilor Carol Waig has a passion for our sense of community and hence has supported of having in one form or another a town park and a lively and successful Summerfest. She recognizes that a town is more than a collection of basic services. In only one term on the council she has worked diligently and passionately for this end and it is a critical voice to have on the council.

Chairman John McKinnon has had steady hands on the wheel of a ship that has encountered both rough waters and an often shifting load. He has been a profound asset the council. He has also brought to the council a clear understanding of the challenges faced by our private roads and how critical it is that we deal with these. As well, he finds common ground with Councilor Warren in an aptitude for visionary environmental thinking.

Lastly but not least, Councilor Elizabeth Wisecup brings a strong sense of our rural past and an intense appreciation for the importance of carrying those values through into Windham’s future. Windham has strong history and a strong environment I appreciate all of the work that she has done to ensure that this be carried forward.

Many of the ideas and concerns that our new councilors bring are variations on that which have come before. Departments have been restructured, facilities improved, processes looked at and change has occurred. Visions have been pursued, at times passionately, but they have been done so collegially and without fanfare. They simply became part of the collective flow of legislative affairs. The point is, every legislative body is, and should be, diverse.

A successful legislative body, and the ability to see visions through implementation, is rooted in the ability to find common ground and transcend differences. Without this ability for collaboration and mutual support, we will find polarization and diminished returns.

Whether in local, state or federal government, we must get away from the inclination to bang one’s head, or the heads of others, into submission to get ones way. It only creates an acidic and stagnant climate and a lot of soreheads. Hence as we select our candidates we must look at both how someone thinks and how they are able to work with others.