Leftovers From A Long Night At Town Hall

A few observations from a long night in the Selectmen's Meeting Room.

1. The most impressive presentation during the marathon meeting was by recent RMHS grads Ryan McKee and Pat Beckman, organizers of the Oct. 29 "Jams for Jake" event. Nancy Docktor would have been better served to have McKee representing her.

2. And about those 4 1/2 hours ... it felt like a Red Sox game but minus the hot dogs and $12 beers.

3. A neighbor of mine actually stood up and said she didn't like the "Hate Has No Home Here" signs that cover Reading lawns, much like the "Yes To Reading" signs of last fall. It wasn't a good look. I might agree that spiffy slogans don't do a thing to solve what ails Reading but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't say it publicly.

4. Two of the new Reading policemen are RMHS graduates, Andrew Kirwan (Class of 2007) and Zach Fontes (2012). Here's hoping they're involved in the graffiti issues at their old school.

5. Wonder if Robert Bracey of the North Reading Health Department is going to miss his time in Reading. Some how I doubt it.

6. Andrew Friedmann is clearly the square peg in the round hole that is the board. The newest member of the board, Friedmann's relationship to his fellow selectmen is sometimes awkward. But having five of the same voices on the board, all agreeing 24/7, wouldn't benefit anyone. The back-n-forth between Friedmann and other members of the board might make you squirm at times, but it's still a good thing.

Photo by Bob Holmes