IT BEARS REPEATING

Tim the Enchanter has left a new comment on your post "Let's Talk":

I am not involved with the Aurora Historical Society.
I am neither a supporter nor a detractor.
I do not have the facts or the inclination to express an opinion as to the quality of AHS management.
I shall leave that to others.

But I am a taxpayer.
I did not decide to give my money to the AHS.
The Town of Aurora did. (by Town I mean our council and staff)
The Town is responsible to me, as a taxpayer, for the manner in which my money is distributed.
The Town is responsible for placing the necessary conditions on any agreement involving the use of my money complete with goals and objectives that are clearly explained and not subject to interpretation.
It is NOT within the Town's mandate to use my money to ensure the continued financial viability of the AHS or any other special interest group.
However it is the Town's responsibility to ensure that the recipient of my money fulfills the agreed upon mandate by obtaining the information necessary to perform an accurate and honest performance evaluation.

If a review indicates that the AHS has not kept their end of the bargain then it is the Town's responsibility to me, the taxpayer, to discontinue funding.
If the AHS loses funding then it can be left to its members and interested parties to discuss and point fingers among themselves.

However, speaking as a taxpayer, there is no such thing as "shared blame".
The Town, and only the Town is responsible.

That there appears to be continued debate surrounding the existence of a museum, or lack of same, is the fault of the Town and no one else.
Either an agreement was made to construct or house a museum or it was not.

That there appears to be continued debate on the subject of artifact ownership is the fault of the Town and no one else.
Either the agreement includes the definition of artifact ownership or it does not.

Defenders of the Town might counter by saying that those that are not directly involved in the matter don’t appreciate the difficulties.
That one can't lay blame without having all the facts.
That there many interested parties exerting their influence.
That pressure has been brought to bear.
That new councils bring new perspectives and attitudes.

However.
These seemingly reasonable excuses are completely without merit.
The Town is not duty-bound to sign agreements with the AHS or ANY special interest group.
"We made the best deal we could under the circumstances" doesn't apply.
Compromise is not necessary.
There is no 'rock. There is no 'hard place'.
No 'devil' - no 'deep blue sea'.
The Town need only worry about the interests of the one party that matters - the taxpayer.

The grand-standing and constant squabbling that results from poorly constructed agreements is the sole responsibility of the Town.