The recent self-imposed dissolution by the Chestertown Task Force was quite an unfortunate disaster and “the mess” may herald either a real lost cause or a new opportunity both for Chestertown and Washington College.
Much of the information found in the initial drafts of the report “Back to the Future” paints an accurate and disturbing picture of Chestertown and the county of which it is the county seat and the largest town therein. Since 1782 it has been the home of Washington College, the tenth oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.
Many small rural communities throughout the nation have experienced economic and demographic difficulties in recent years. Chestertown is certainly a town that has experienced both of these trends. Washington College enters its 232nd year as a venerable and respected institution, with challenges for both the short-term and long-term future.
The future progress and growth of the town and the college are intertwined, yet separate issues.
Winston Churchill, a rather inveterate optimist, said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity: an optimist sees an opportunity in every difficulty.” Perhaps in 2014 this is true of both Chestertown and Washington, especially with the collapse of the august group who were seeking and suggesting remedies for current problems and future improvement. The facts and suggestions made in the unfinished report of the Task Force are both a good synopsis of the current state of the economy and the future potential of the entire community.
It is now up to the leadership and constituents of both Chestertown and Washington College to use the contents of the unfinished report to launch their own pathways into the future. The new mayor was correct when advocating that the town steer its course on the marina owned by the town. While perhaps a dubious acquisition, it is now the responsibility of the town of Chestertown. There are certainly many other significant issues the town must address. So it is with Washington College.
The birthday of the founding patron of the college, then General George Washington, and the meeting of the Board of Visitors and Governors of the college are events that will take place soon. Washington College, as the town of Chestertown, now has an opportunity to glean the valuable suggestions contained in the unfinished Task Force report, and incorporate those which are appropriate and feasible, into its own planning process. This action may well help in determining the future of the college on the Chester, which was of interest to General Washington.
While continuing to collaborate, the town and the college must address their own issues and priorities. This fact is mandated by the responsibilities of the town charter as invested in the town council and mayor. The charter of the college, as overseen by the Board of Visitors and Governors is responsible for the planning and operations of the college. Collaboration and communication are essential ingredients in the functioning of any college town; however, each has their own responsibilities and priorities.
Especially with the town, common will and common propose are essential ingredients. Division and acrimony are negative components of any community spirit and common interest.
Perhaps a new door has been opened with the disappearance of the now defunct Waterfront Task Force. New economic opportunities for Chestertown and focused cooperative opportunities for Washington College… both are welcome and necessary.
Nancy McGuire says
Editor,
Well said. This is a necessary, important process that is requiring us to look into ourselves as a whole . I can only see opportunities ahead. We are a community of creative people with a common passion that includes both our Town and our College. We will be the better for it. Onward!