Dear Mr. Manners:

Our TTA group got walloped on the recent Tiverton recall election.  We no longer enjoy a majority on the Town Council to perpetuate our mischief, oops, program of good governance. What can we do this holiday season to eek out some small happiness?

An Aggrieved TTA Member

Dear Aggrieved:

These political disappointments often bring sadness and the urge to do whatever it takes to bring an errant town back under control.  Solace, quite understandingly being one’s goal, here are three suggestions: 1. Work hard on council business in a cooperative way and, in so doing, regain public support. 2. Subject the town to a second recall election out of spite and, dare I mention, without any specific underlying grievance. 3. Step back and partake in pleasurable holiday activities that are new or based on long-time hobbies.  Examples might include making holiday wreaths; canning holiday chutneys; decorating homes, businesses, and churches; knitting colorful scarves and mittens; baking Christmas cookies; browsing through shops, bazaars and craft fairs; participating in outdoor sports; and making wooden toys. 

Dear Mr. Manners:

An impending and difficult issue facing Tiverton is dealing with trash and recycling once our landfill is closed. After a unanimous vote in late-summer to focus on curbside pickups, the council with its two new members now wants to reopen the issue and involve the public, having heard recently from professionals of the pros and cons of three options. I mean, how dastardly is this?!

An Angry Council Member

Dear Angry:

Yes, involving the public, through a hearing, survey, or some other ordinary means, in an issue that concerns them directly can only be called dastardly, I agree. Clearly there is a better way. Why not suggest new ideas. River dumping past midnight? Or, how about placing a heavy-duty, steel bin at each house curb to allow residential burning. Rhode Island, alas, is by far the least mountainous New England state.  Accordingly a BIG IDEA might be changing this fact by insisting on much, much larger landfills.  If you can do this, perhaps your anger will subside. Good luck.

Will Newman

Tiverton