Washburn: 'I'm Mad As Hell And I'm Not Going To Take It Anymore'

In the iconic movie Network, the protagonist reaching a tipping point and finally goes over the edge yelling “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any more.”

Concord taxpayers are getting close. The Rundlett decision pushed rationalized citizens over the edge, so they organized a petition drive, printed yard signs, and made their case public. The public responded. The school board hired a law firm to shield itself, and we await the final decision. Well, the public spoke at the polls, so we await school board action.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that, given the choice between the ridiculous and sublime, the hand-selected ad hoc golf clubhouse committee appointed by the former mayor opted for the ridiculous. Given the option of choosing between three bad choices, they were purposely corralled into choosing a bad choice. So how did this happen? Well, the Green Street puzzle palace concocted a scheme to propose to the state to assist in financing a new community center.

The state laughed it out the door understanding it was merely a disguised replacement for a falling down golf clubhouse. At no time was there any public input into the process.

If you want to view what the private sector does, I invite you to see the new clubhouse constructed for under $9 million at Pembroke Pines.

You will note that there are no club fitting rooms as most high handicappers get their clubs at Dicks/Glaxcy. Most low handicappers get their clubs at Hudson or Greenland’s or Mass retailers staffed by certified club fitters. This is because there are little sales at golf courses for golf clubs. There are no geothermal heat pumps or solar arrays. The facility accommodates a 240-seat venue vs. the proposed 140-seat venue Beaver. It doubles the size of the pro shop and, to draw in more public support, accommodates some of the needs of winter sports.

Clearly, the Beaver Meadow club house is in dire need of replacement and requires expansion to accommodate winter sports. But what will come before the council for final approval and bonding authorization is without justification? The Green Street puzzle palace is totally oblivious to the strain being place on the Concord property taxpayer time and time again. They just keep piling it on and piling it deeper.

At every municipal election, 85% of Concord voters vote with their feet by not voting, feeling it will not make a difference, and the council will blindly go along with the manager’s proposals, being Pavlovian dogs trained to salivate at the sound of the bell. There are a minority of councilors who attempt to bring reason to the decision-making process, but they remain in the minority, and they deserve our support.

The next stop for the clubhouse is the city council. I suppose petitions and signs might work but there is too little time to organize. The home phone numbers and email addresses of city councilors are the city website. If you oppose this latest city boondoggle, I suggest to contact the council. I can’t guarantee success, but at least you have an opportunity to vent your displeasure.

Concord tax burden has shifted from commercial property to residential property for a number of reasons. Manchester has its high-tech guardian angel securing high-tech expansion. Londonderry recently approved a major high-tech production facility with no concerns over housing. So how much is Concord spending on developing its light industry property? Don’t ask as you won’t be impressed with the answer. You might be surprised at where at the insistence of the mayor what the money is going for.

The bonding of the new club house will be set for public hearing soon. This will be a must attend hearing as it is your ox that is being gored.

Robert Washburn is a former Concord City Councilor.