The Planet Hank Live Show streamed live on January 16, 2025 and is available on YouTube
https://bit.ly/4hq2rXC
Starting around 33 minutes, there is a section which I would like to point out. Here is the text, courtesy of the YouTube generated transcript:
… to see the town go in a better direction to get on to our representative town meeting and become a rep so that you have a voice and we can consolidate what we’re doing down there it’s very easy RTM you do not have to stand up and speak you do not have to do anything all you do is you either sit up for Yes or stay sitting down for no [sic] you vote in that way and when you’re in there with a whole group of us you can kind of look like say you’re unsure you can look to the people in the real progress group and stand up with us or sit down and just do what all your group members do you know uh it’s very powerful and very important for us to mobilize in that way …
Years ago, when I attended Representative Town Meeting, I sat with a group of like minded members and we did have a pact of sorts to vote together. It applied to one particular type of vote: we all voted “No” on any motion to “call the question” or “cease debate.” Our concern was that all opinions are valuable and ought to be heard.
The Planet Hank quote also reminds me of a story from years ago in another city. I had filed an employment grievance against a supervisor, who, unbeknownst to me, was the sister of a city council member. Soon after, I was seated at a bar between a department head and a county official. The one said to the other: “tell him how he’s going to vote in the next election.” I replied: “Go ahead and tell me.” The other then retorted, “Don’t tell him, he can’t be trusted.”
I submit to you that the first anecdote above supports democratic institutions, while the last one does not.
Where does Planet Hank’s advice or direction fall on this continuum?
Finally, I hope that if you are running for Representative Town Meeting Member or any elected office, that you commit to study the issues, understand different points of view and vote with an informed conscience..
