The resolution that we passed at Representative Town Meeting this year directed the Selectboard to "set up a process to determine the future of emergency medical services in Brattleboro that is transparent and takes into account the opinions of town residents." The process should be fair and unbiased.

The genesis of this resolution was the town's abrupt announcement on April 11, 2022 of its intent to sever a five-decade relationship with Rescue Inc. This strategy was made in secret, with scant notice to town residents prior to a vote eight days later, and without affording us an opportunity to be heard.

An important decision like this, made in darkness, is a threat to our representative democracy. Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.

According to the press release, the decision was based, in part, on the premise that the town could realize "a $500,000.00 to $700,000.00 net gain in revenue" if the Fire Department took over EMS. We now know that this premise, allegedly made after "a careful internal analysis," was patently false. Most folks believe that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."...