The last election in the town of Amherst was enlightening to old and newcomers. Only 17 percent of voters responded to the civic duty. Democracy?
Amherst is inhabited by many pseudo-intellectuals, brilliant and genius people. Almost everyone has an opinion different from the majority. Not this time. Why? Very strange. During the 42 years that I have lived in this town, I have never seen bad government, corruption or anything related. Well, the building in Triangle Street in front of a park, perhaps. I come from Puerto Rico, a place that is a territory, a colony, a possession of this country.
My country is divided into 78 towns. Each one has a mayor, it’s a real mess. Most of these towns are about to collapse economically due to the corruption, nepotism and cronyism.
You have to be a friend, a relative or contributor to get a job or a contract in the town. The central government is in worse condition. It has been begging the Congress to allow Puerto Rico to declare bankruptcy.
If you did not know that we are citizens of this nation since 1917, when the Jones Act imposed this burden to all Puerto Ricans, it is time to update your knowledge. But what is the relationship between the government of Puerto Rico and the town of Amherst? Think about it.
My advice is the following: Unless you are rich or super wealthy, do not get involved in the game of money or politics. You will always lose. It is easier to buy or bribe one person than the whole 200-plus Town Meeting members.
Right now, the recently elected Charter Commission is asking for time and $30,000 to hire a consultant. I thought that they knew what was wrong and how to fix it. Please, think about what you are asking for, because you might get it.
VICTOR E. GUEVARAVA
Amherst