For the past 20-plus years, the town of Norway has had a competent manager and the citizens of Norway have been wise enough to support and keep him. Together, they created a healthy and functioning government. They repaired the roads, staffed their town office, provided police and fire protection. They attracted new businesses while preserving an historic and enticing Main Street. Though Norway is not a wealthy community, it has done all that.

Paris, on the other hand, has not.

During the same years, Paris has hired multiple managers, who managed poorly. There were three competent managers who didn’t stay on. Moreover, town officials haven’t maintained the roads or attracted many new businesses, or created a vibrant and inviting Main Street.

Recently, Paris officials threatened to abolish the police department and fire town employees to save money. Then, the select board hired someone from among its ranks with no municipal or managerial experience. Why? In addition, he is being paid $65,000 to start with a $2,600 raise in six months.

That’s a whopping amount of money for someone inexperienced, especially since these same officials are still pushing to slash the budget and let long-time employees go.

All that chaos makes town government dysfunctional, keeps new people out and sends others away. Paris is in trouble — still.

One solution? Do what residents did seven years ago — attend select board or budget committee meetings, ask questions or just observe.

Residents must pay attention. Action is urgently needed. The future of Paris depends upon it.

Jean Smart, Paris