Tonight the chairman of the Arlington Board of Selectmen explained their decision that voters are not qualified to express opinions. Even for a non-binding policy question, voters are denied the opportunity to have their opinions counted on keeping or reducing Mass Ave travel lanes. Everyone knows most residents want to keep four travel lanes, so Selectmen don’t what that on record.
Throwing away travel lanes was decided ten years ago, long before any public input, so tonight’s result was expected. We just needed a last bit of definitive proof for the state Inspector General and Arlington voters that Selectmen don’t care what taxpayers want. If there ever was another example for needing Proposition 2 1/2 and putting large tax hikes up for vote, this is it. Arlington Selectmen don’t want democracy or public opposition getting in their way.