The Town of Walden remains intensely divided over a controversial strip center development at the former Lines Orchid property. The town’s current outdated charter complicates the efforts of Walden residents who want to seek a more appropriate, thoughtful, and well planned use of this property, which we believe can be achieved first by long range land use planning followed by a competitive open bidding process by potential developers.
When Walden was incorporated in 1975, the charter specified a three member board composed of the Mayor and two Aldermen. The original charter made no provision for referendum or recall of the Mayor and Aldermen. The rationale behind this was that with elections being held every two years, voters would be able to exercise their pleasure or displeasure with their elected officials at the polls fairly frequently.
Then, in 2016, Walden moved to four year terms, but made no corresponding provision in the charter for referendum or recall, effectively insulating our present Board from consequences of the shortsighted decision on behalf of Mayor Trohanis and Alderwoman Sarah McKenzie which ignores the will of the residents and which will transform the town forever. The charter must be updated to provide for referendum and recall.
Barby Wilson
Town of Walden resident