Current Editorials - Marblehead Current

16 Aug

EDITORIAL: Marblehead summer, the last word

Kris Olson0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Opinion

“You live in Marblehead? You’re so lucky.” How often have we heard those sentiments from folks who live someplace else? More times than we care to count, probably. Those numbers rise noticeably in summertime, the sweet spot between Memorial Day and Labor Day when our picturesque seaside town shakes off winter’s chill, hoists its sails, slathers on the sunscreen and embraces the lobster-and-corn season with open arms (plus a side of melted butter). Each of us no doubt has a favorite ritual or two when…

09 Aug

EDITORIAL: Time for a change

Leigh Blander0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Views & Reviews

At its first meeting after this year’s town election, the Select Board and its new majority broke with long-standing tradition and voted to postpone its annual process of making appointments to the various town boards, committees and commissions that fall under its jurisdiction. Until now, such appointments, which for the most part constitute reappointments of volunteer citizens, have been made immediately after the annual town election. Whether or not that is the optimum time to take such action, it nonetheless has been that way for…

30 Jul

EDITORIAL: Sunlight and the superintendent

Kris Olson0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Opinion

Let’s start at the beginning. Does the Marblehead School Committee have a right to end the tenure of our town’s school superintendent, John Buckey, two years early? Yes, when a previous board voted in July 2021 to extend what initially had been a three-year contract until 2025, it negotiated the right to terminate the contract by giving Buckey 100 days’ notice and a payment of $94,350. But — as a matter of good governance rather than legality — should the board exercise that right without…

12 Jul

EDITORIAL: Setting the bar higher

Leigh Blander0 CommentsCurrent Editorials

Before Chair Sarah Fox opened the public comment period of the School Committee’s July 6 meeting, she offered a word of caution. In light of what had happened at the board’s June 30 meeting, a concerned parent had come to Fox, fearful that her child would be subject to further bullying if the public comment period was used to breach the confidentiality of their dealings with the district, she explained. Fox asked all who might speak during the public comment period to be cognizant of…

05 Jul

EDITORIAL: The Spirit of Marblehead

Will Dowd0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Opinion

Reflecting on the echoes of laughter that filled the streets of Marblehead or scenes of people peering over art across town, we're left with a deep sense of pride. The recently concluded 57th annual Marblehead Festival of Arts, one of the cornerstones of our Fourth of July celebrations, served as a shining testament to our community's spirit, dedication and hard work. One cannot overlook the tireless planning and meticulous execution that went into this event. Our tranquil seaside town became a buzzing epicenter of activity…

28 Jun

EDITORIAL: Pride, not prejudice

Kris Olson0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Opinion, Views & Reviews

As Pride Month draws to a close, we have much to celebrate, but we also recognize the need to avoid complacency. Early this month, ’Headers came together at Abbot Hall to welcome in the month with speeches, comradery and the now annual raising of the pride flag. As we previously reported, one of the featured speakers recounted her need to flee Marblehead decades ago as an openly gay and young adult who was finding herself shamed and ridiculed in public, only to return 39 years…

21 Jun

EDITORIAL: The future of local news is nonprofit

Will Dowd0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Opinion, Uncategorized

Two weeks ago, some of the Marblehead Current team traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with representatives of hundreds of local news outlets, financially configured like we are, as 501(c)(3) “public good” or charitable organizations. The two-day gathering, convened by the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), was an opportunity to learn from one another. It also was a moment to celebrate how far such efforts have come. The sold-out event, known as INN Days, was first held in 2016. Then, there were 55 people in…

14 Jun

EDITORIAL: Rites and wrongs

Kris Olson0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Opinion

Behind the scenes at the Current as last week drew to a close, we could not help but be struck by the juxtaposition of two annual local rites of spring — one that, without fail, draws the community together, and the other that seems to be tearing it apart more than usual. The first, of course, is the commencement ceremony that sent the Marblehead High School Class of 2023 — along with beloved Principal Dan Bauer — off to new adventures. From where we sit,…

07 Jun

EDITORIAL: On override, a qualified ‘yes’

Will Dowd0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Opinion

At Town Meeting in May, Marblehead voters approved, by a 534-230 margin, a $2.5 million general tax override article, which is now coming up for full town vote on June 20. Arguably the most consequential — if not controversial — of the 54 articles presented, the Proposition 2 1/2 override would bridge the gap between two proposed budgets for fiscal year 2024: one requiring significant cuts in school funding and town services, the other a level-services budget that, while preserving these positions and programs, would…

31 May

EDITORIAL: About that log entry

Will Dowd0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Opinion

A few readers recently raised concerns about a police log entry that appeared in our May 17 issue, and we would like to share a bit from the (civil) discussions that ensued with those readers with the rest of our audience.The log entry recounted what happened after an officer came upon a vehicle pulled over in a no-parking zone on the side of Ocean Avenue. What transpired was mostly unremarkable: It was determined that the driver did not have a valid license and that the…