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Forum examines 21st century baby bust
Dec 17, 2025
Authors Dean Spears and Michael Geruso, guest speakers at Friday’s Salisbury Forum, discuss “Population, Progress and the Case for People.”
Ruth Epstein
FALLS VILLAGE — Guest speakers Michael Geruso and Dean Spears opened their talk at the Salisbury Forum on Friday, Dec. 12, by asking audience members whether they thought the planet is overpopulated. Responses were roughly evenly split.
The authors of “After the Spike: Population, Progress and the Case for People” argue that depopulation is not the solution to concerns about overpopulation, and that population stabilization should instead be the goal.
Geruso began by noting that for most of human history, the global population was relatively small. It was not until the 1800s that the population reached 1 billion, and by 1925 it had doubled to 2 billion. Today, the world’s population stands at about 8.2 billion. Even so, he said, birth rates are declining.
“We have heard that overpopulation is a challenge to our future,” said Geruso. “But all projections show that within a few decades the population will peak and then start to decline.”
The birth rate in most developed countries is about 1.5 children per woman. “So we need to look at fertility projections after those decades and see if they’re likely to decline as fast as they’ve risen over the past two centuries resulting in global depopulation,” he said.
Prefacing their remarks throughout the talk that their theories are likely, but not certain, the two, who are both economic demographers and associate professors of economics at the University of Texas at Austin, say long-term depopulation over the century is probable. That would occur if the total fertility rate falls lower than two children per two adults.
Spears said so far there are fewer deaths per year than births, but eventually those numbers will meet. In 2012 there were 146 million births around the world. That is more than any other year since.
“We’re not saying fertility rates are falling; we’re saying they are likely to fall below 2 children per couple and stay there,” said Spears.
Geruso said evidence shows the likelihood of heading into a future with low birth rates. “As long as data has been kept, we’ve seen that as a path for hundreds of years. The baby boom was a blip. The rates went down before and after.”
There is no simple answer as to why fertility rates are low, said Spears. He posed the question as to whether it’s affordability, a decline in religiosity, gender-equal societies? None of those fit the story, he said.
They then brought up the idea that humans cause environmental harm, so wouldn’t it be a benefit to have fewer people emitting carbon into the air? Climate change is important and urgent, but some demographers say waiting six decades to see equalized birth and death rates and thus decarbonization, is way too long, said Spears. Instituting rules and policies is the way to go, he said, pointing out how in India, where he’s done a lot of research, air quality was a huge problem. The birth rate increased, but regulations helped to improve the air.
“We’re advocating stability,” said Spears. “If we want a future, parenting can be a successful option. We need to have more. If people want to have children, they can. Declining population is not going to solve our problems.”
Geruso said, “We’re lucky to live in a time when many others live with us.”
Spears talked about all those who have made our lives richer, longer and better than they were 200 years ago. All advances have come from people who inhabit the earth. We need a future where there are more people and more opportunities. In a depopulated society, you’ll have fewer things you want and need. It’s not a solution to have fewer of us.”
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By Robin Roraback
FALLS VILLAGE — The First Annual Falls Village Cookie Exchange got underway at Hunt Library on Thursday, Dec. 11.
The event was moved to the library last-minute due to a heating issue at The Center on Main, which co-hosted the event.
Librarians Meg Sher and Anna Pattison soon cleared a table, set up chairs and set out tea, cocoa and popcorn. Holiday music played in the background.
The rules were simple: Bake two dozen cookies of the same kind and be creative. No store-bought cookies allowed and label cookies with any potential allergens. As cookies arrived, scents of vanilla and lemon filled the air.
Britta Sallick, manager of The Center on Main, organized the event. “I was always the dessert baker in my family, especially peanut butter cookies.” She added, “A cookie swap seemed like a fun way to get the community together.”
Her baking, however, was not without travails. The first batch of pistachio shortbread for the exchange fell off the parchment paper as she was taking them out of the oven and crumbled on the oven floor.
Jenny Law didn’t exactly make a cookie. She made Buttercrunch, which she said is more of a candy. She was “very excited” about the cookie swap and ate something before coming so she wouldn’t be tempted to eat any cookies on the way home.
Carol Jenkins and her granddaughter, Edith Losh, baked cut-out shortbread cookies in red and green. They had fun baking together for the holidays.
Ruth Hackett brought candy cane cookies. She used natural food coloring to make the red stripes. “I believe they use beet juice.” She added, “The secret is almond extract. It gives that extra ‘ting’”
Emily Peterson brought ginger cremes. “My grandfather’s favorite cookie,” she explained. “We make them every December to honor him. I made a double batch and gave half of them to my grandmother.”
At 5:15 p.m., Sallick declared it time to swap sweets. She continued, “I am very excited about all the cookies on the table. Extra points for being creative.”
She pointed out white boxes with gold stars, provided for the participants. “Pick out two dozen cookies.” She added, “There is one exception. Two-for-one on the chocolate crinkles.”
The bakers circled the cookie filled table, picking cookies to take home – or sample in the car on the way there.
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North Canaan Town Hall.
Photo by Riley Klein
NORTH CANAAN — After months away from Town Hall amid what she described as a “toxic” work environment, North Canaan Town Clerk Jean Jacquier has returned to the clerk’s office to complete the remainder of her term, which by law runs through Jan. 5 following her victory in the 2023 election.
Asked whether she felt comfortable being back, she was clear. “I certainly am,” Jacquier said. “I have nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of.”
She has worked in the town clerk’s office for more than three decades, beginning as assistant town clerk in 1993 before becoming town clerk in 2017. “I love that job,” Jacquier said. “I know everybody.”
Her return follows an extended period of conflict at Town Hall that began in early 2024, when then–First Selectman Brian Ohler filed a complaint with the state attorney general alleging misconduct. The investigation found evidence of misconduct but did not result in disciplinary action. It did recommend procedural changes.
In February 2025, Jacquier walked out of her office, citing ongoing conflicts with Ohler and an employee in the town’s Building Office. Her departure came within a week after a judge ruled she was not eligible for reimbursement of legal fees accrued in the investigation.
Jacquier said she attempted to return over the summer and fall. She arrived to find the locks had been changed and she was ordered out of Town Hall by state troopers.
Jacquier said her return was made possible after newly elected First Selectman Jesse Bunce and the Board of Finance reinstated her pay and asked whether she would like to finish her term.
“They reached out to me,” Jacquier said. “They asked me if I would like to finish my term. And I said, absolutely.”
Jacquier is now working alongside Krysti Segalla, who recently began serving as assistant town clerk and will assume the role of town clerk on Jan. 6, following her election victory in November.
Jacquier said the two share a long-standing personal connection and work well together.
“I’ve known her since she was a baby,” Jacquier said. “We get along wonderfully. It’s been great.”
During her remaining weeks in office, Jacquier said her focus is on completing the daily work of the clerk’s office and assisting with the transition.
“Whatever comes through that office that needs to be done, between Krysti and I, we do it,” she said. “Hopefully, it’s helping her learn a little bit more about the job. It takes years to learn.”
Jacquier said she is not seeking another town position after her term ends. Asked what she hopes to accomplish in her final weeks in office, Jacquier said her goal is simple.
“Nothing, in particular,” she said. “Just finishing my term.”
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Brian Ohler, left, and Jesse Bunce await the results of the Nov. 10 recount for first selectman in North Canaan. Bunce won by two votes.
Photo by Riley Klein
NORTH CANAAN — About 100 residents attended North Canaan’s Board of Selectmen meeting Monday night — with more than 40 joining remotely and roughly 60 filling the meeting room — marking Jesse Bunce’s first such meeting since being elected first selectman.
Bunce, who took office from Brian Ohler following last month’s close election, acknowledged that the transition has included some early bumps and thanked town officials and staff for their work during a period he said has not been without challenges. “I’d like to thank Brian for all the efforts that he’s put in in this transition,” Bunce said at the meeting. “This process has not been perfect. We are working through it all.”
Among the challenges cited in recent weeks was a disruption in town communications after Bunce was unable to gain access to the town’s official government Facebook page during the transition. Ohler said technical issues prevented him from transferring administrative control of the page– and it was deleted. A new Facebook page was launched on Dec. 10, which has about 350 followers.
Ohler, who was seated beside Bunce at the meeting, continues to serve as a selectman. Bunce said newly elected officials have been settling into their roles and highlighted several town employees for their work during the transition. He thanked Krysti Segalla, the incoming town clerk, noting that her office has seen significant turnover in recent months.
“She’s been working really hard on her certifications and updating her office and cleaning up things,” Bunce said. “There’s been a lot of people in and out of that office over the last six or seven months, so there’s lots of loose ends. She’s doing a great job.”
Segalla will assume the role of town clerk on Jan. 6, having been elected to the position in November. She is currently serving as assistant town clerk under Jean Jacquier, whose term ends Jan. 5.
Bunce also praised Tax Collector Rebecca Mochak, saying residents have taken note of her professionalism, and Treasurer Melanie Neely for her efforts to build the framework needed to pursue additional grants for the town. He thanked Teri Aitken and Christian Allyn for helping during the transition period. Ohler later addressed attendees and offered public support for Bunce.
“It’s great to see everyone,” Ohler said. “I think we all need to commend Jesse on his first month taking over the reins of this town.”
Ohler acknowledged that political transitions can be difficult but said the board’s shared goal remains unchanged.
“The common denominator is we just want what is best for the town, and that’s it,” Ohler said. “It’s pretty black and white.”
He urged residents to focus on constructive dialogue and move past divisive or unproductive commentary. Ohler pledged his support for Bunce.
“You have my assurance. I will give you my full support when it is of benefit to the town,” he said. “We can have hard conversations. It will be professional. It will be based on substance, not rhetoric.”
Newly elected Selectman Melissa Pinardi, attending her first meeting since taking office, also addressed residents and reflected on her first month in the role.
“I’m honored to have been elected for the next two years,” Pinardi said. “I’m really excited to see what we all can do together.”
She thanked both Bunce and Ohler for their guidance as she learns the responsibilities of the position and echoed calls for a collaborative and forward-looking approach.
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