To the editor:
The Hardwick Select Board has been forced to hold a special town meeting to vote on two petitions that could threaten the future of democracy in Hardwick.
The first petition speaks for itself and asks that all items be voted on via Australian ballot at future town meetings. Its clear why this is a bad idea, but most important is that it would essentially eliminate the purpose of gathering at town meeting, which is to talk and debate on the issues that we are voting on.
The second is to overturn the Buffalo Mountain Town Forest which seeks to conserve Buffalo Mountain and puts the property in Hardwick’s stewardship in perpetuity. Apparently they want to overturn this vote because it was voted on by hand. The vote passed overwhelmingly but because some people “didn’t recognize a lot of people at town meeting” it appears that these people think that somehow dozens or hundreds non-residents voted on Town Meeting Day.
Neither of these issues should be political but I cannot understand how people could think something so ridiculous without their being the persistent backdrop of one national political movement’s obsession with spreading lies that illegals are voting in our elections and therefore we need to pass legislation to suppress and disenfranchise voters.
I find it really troubling that the select board was forced to entertain these petitions, which I believe are problematic at best, and at worst, violate Hardwick voters’ civil liberties and are blatantly xenophobic and racist. Just because you don’t recognize someone, doesn’t mean that they’re not your neighbor.
I hope the people of Hardwick will show up to vote down the Australian ballot petition and will vote yes on conserving Buffalo Mountain. Stand up for democracy and preserve your vote and your voice. Don’t let a small group of naysayers tell us that this town can’t change.
For voters that need help getting out to vote I am happy to offer ride share assistance to and from the Town House. Call (802) 355-0520.
Tyler Buswell
Hardwick
