Unity inside Rumford’s town government about co-management with Mexico is crumbling, despite several strong statements of support from officials. The turnabout has come quickly.

For example, Frank DiConzo, the new board vice-chairman, who has extolled his long-term support for regional services, said in early May that co-management with Mexico puts “butterflies in his stomach.”

Now, it seems those butterflies may have stemmed from apprehension, not excitement. During a meeting June 17, DiConzo said a special town meeting needed for co-management would be a “waste of time.”

The same could describe the potential for Rumford’s dealings with Mexico. Despite support, this co-management effort has suffered serious setbacks.

Separating a crucial charter change about co-management from Rumford’s official town meeting warrant on June 10, to a meeting at an indeterminate time, was the first blow. This occurred weeks after the idea was introduced. Yet somehow, during all the talk of co-management, this critical detail was missed.

Now comes lukewarm responses from the board. DiConzo says the towns should conduct a feasibility study about co-management, as part of an investigation into merging both communities.

It would seem a one-year trial with Mexico would be as effective a feasibility study that could be done.

Four of five selectmen remained after elections on June 10, but from a political standpoint, one wouldn’t know it. Arthur Boivin, the new chairman, says nothing was final with Mexico. DiConzo and Mark Belanger, another selectman, are shrinking from the plan. The mindset is rapidly changing.

Co-management with Mexico, however, remains a good idea. Voters have been promised their say about the idea, and deserve one. Even if selectman are wavering, they should let Rumford citizens consider the idea.

Merits of co-management outweigh its drawbacks. Given the town’s discord, recruiting a new full-time manager could be difficult. And if successful, Rumford and Mexico could become a model of municipal collaboration for the rest of the state, if effective co-management develops.

But we don’t need to say this.

Officials in Rumford already have.