Gilmore Hilton, who many call the “Voltaire of Simplex Pond,” is a good problem solver. He sees the merit and flaws of both sides on an issue, weighs each stance and then comments. Usually, his wisdom provides the direction the two parties take. So it was last Saturday morning.

Gilbert Lawrence is the superintendent of schools for the district that includes Simplex Pond. He did not want to renovate the 35-year-old elementary school; he wanted to put more money into programs that would directly impact the students. He affirmed, “Golden teaching in wooden halls is better than wooden teaching in golden halls.” The seven-member school board was undecided.

Mr. Lawrence, by chance, saw the chair of the board in a diner with a local building contractor. It was obvious that they were talking about the renovation. Blueprints were spread out on the table. Lucy Waters kept nodding as the builder presented his plan. The superintendent concluded that Miss Waters wanted the renovation. It was time to see Gilmore Hilton.

Hilton asked a few questions: “Do you know what your boss wants? Are you able to ‘read’ her body language and facial expressions? Do you see your supervision react to a situation and know what is expected?” To all these Lawrence answered “yes.”

The “Simplex Sage” said that beliefs are subject to change. “Cicero, a philosopher and politician, put all sides on the table without endorsing any particular position. What you really want is a renovation that can improve the children’s education. Right?”

At the next school board meeting, Mr. Gilbert Lawrence presented a plan whose design itself had lessons built in. It was amazing. Angles, circles, designs, etc., were stimulating. The elected officials loved it. Lawrence ended his presentation with a comment from Edmund Burke, “Every virtue and every prudent act is founded on compromise and barter.” Oh, ’tis true; ’tis true.