Dear Athol residents: On Monday, less than 10% of Athol’s registered voters turned out to vote in a special election that sought approval of a Proposition 2½ override to increase staffing in the Athol Fire Department by two additional firefighter/EMTs per shift.

For the better part of 2023, the need for the staffing, the basis of the costs and responses to dozens of questions were put forth in the public domain via public meetings, the town website, social media, the Athol Daily News, Athol Orange Community Television and information sessions at the Town Hall, Senior Center and Fire Department.

Yet, in the end the funding request failed. Why?

In my mind the answer is either: 1) a majority of voters felt the cost was too high for their household; or 2) the facts documenting the need for additional staff were not effectively conveyed to the public, or were unable to pierce the confusing fog of misinformation prevalent on social media.

As town manager, with the overall responsibility to ensure efficient and responsive municipal operations, I accept and own my role in needing to do a better job reaching more members of the Athol community so that decisions are made based upon fact and logic, and not upon emotion or innuendo.

In the coming months, as we begin to prepare for the fiscal 2025 budget season, I will continue to work closely with the fire chief, our financial team, finance committee and the Board of Selectmen as we seek to develop a revised plan to match Fire Department staffing to the needs of this growing community.

In the end, it is always the will of the voters as to how much and where public funds are expended. That is part of the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

My responsibility is to ensure that accurate, vetted information is provided as the basis for those decisions.

So, to the members of the Fire Department I offer that I will continue to pursue alternatives to bring you the additional supports you need to continue the vital services you provide.

And, to the community at large, I offer that I will work harder to share and discuss the facts surrounding this issue so that we achieve greater understanding and participation in the decision-making process going forward.

As always, citizens can reach me directly via email to ssuhoski@townofathol.org with any questions or suggestions. I read every email and strive to respond as quickly as possible.

Shaun A. Suhoski is town manager of Athol.

]]>