Improve When Appropriate

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  We have been hearing this phrase by many opponents of the proposed revisions to the Brookfield Charter.  But should this be a guiding principle when looking to improve our town's operations?  I think not.  I still have a corded princess phone just in case we have a blackout.  It works fine.  It is not broken.  But does my family use it as our standard phone?  Of course not.

How about wooden tennis rackets?  You can hit the ball and play a game with them.  But is wood the material of choice for modern tennis players?  No.  There are too many other materials that perform better than wood.  Wood is not broken but there are clearly better options out there.

Businesses don't wait for things to break before they improve them.  If you doubt that, just look at Apply, the company with the largest market capitalization.  They must be doing something right.  They are constantly making improvements to the product line.  The original iPhone was released June 29, 2007.  A little over five years later, they release the iPhone 5.  Were the previous versions "broken?"  I don't think so.  Do you?  But they are always striving for better, never willing to rest with good enough.

We should want the best for our town.  Based upon the facts and evidence that we researched or was brought to the CRC, I cast my votes for proposals when I felt they would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our town government.  The performance of our government is too important to leave to "good enough."

Dave Propper

Member of the former Charter Revision Commission