It has been good having Chris Cooper back moderating Alna's annual town meetings after a hiatus. I've only ever seen competent moderators there and elsewhere, but with resident Cooper, you could almost charge admission.

Cooper's quips came early and fairly often Saturday and once or twice, he got back as good as he gave, sometimes warrant articles later, but the barbs came, a surprise each time to fellow voters who gasped and laughed.

Town meetings are serious business, spending everyone's property taxes as decided by the minority of residents who show up. But the humor helps, in three ways: It keeps everyone engaged as they tick through 40-plus articles and a spring Saturday sun beckons. It diffuses the tension differing views can bring.

And it reminds everyone what one of the best parts of a small town is: One another.