What the headlines should have said ..... (Part 2)

At the request of the BOS, the 'interim' Town Manager prepared a 'policy' and timeline regarding the budget process.

It is important to understand that the BOS appoints the Town Manager and in this case, the BOS utilizes the position to reduce their workload and absolve themselves of responsibility. In essence, the Town Manager acts as the Board's lackey and does their bidding, at a cost of $500 per day.

Since this 'interim' Town Manager is part-time and retired from another Town, it is unreasonable to expect much future planning or long-term commitment. Besides, this Board lacks the insight and fails to see the need for much beyond their narrow scope.

It would seem with all the EXPERIENCE proclaimed on the BOS, they would have arrived at their own timeline and policy, but ......

When the 'interim' Town Manager presented his policy draft of BUDGET DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE, noteworthy were the Chairwoman's apologies that 'I know I promised to get you out of here by 8:30,' and Selectman Bond's silence as the Town Charter was conspicuously violated.

Apparently, Charter violations are of no concern to Mr. Bond when they don't pertain to a position he is seeking.

And Selectman Spataro was too preoccupied smiling and giggling, clearly unprepared for the meeting. Isn't this the Selectman who said the Board was the MAJOR LEAGUES? Is anyone watching his behavior?

The contents of the POLICY were never fully enumerated during the meeting, but it was clear that the intent was to exclude the Finance Committee from the process. (The policy was undoubtedly included in the press packages, but the media also felt no need to comment.)

Since it appears that no one has yet shown the new Secretary to the Board of Selectmen how to post Meeting Agendas or Meeting Minutes, we will never see this POLICY unless we submit a Public Records Request. Is that how Town Government should work?

The 'interim' Town Manager said at one point that the statement had been distributed to all Department Heads and subsequently indicated that it had not been, pending Board approval.

Selectman Wayne Perkins emphatically endorsed adoption of the policy and included his statement that 50% of the recommendations contained in the DOR (Department of Revenue) Report had been adopted. (I will address the DOR Report in a subsequent entry, but much work needs to be done.)

Mr. Dunphy rose to ask a question and remained at the podium for quite some time.

When the Chairwoman finally acknowledged his presence, she made sure that she informed him that 'THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC HEARING.'

So, here again we repeat the limitations of the public's right to ask questions.

Mr. Dunphy questioned the Finance Committee's responsibilities governed by the Town Charter.

Chairwoman Brunelle dismissed the question by saying that there were NO PENALTIES INVOLVED.

In other words, violate the Town Charter and the expectations of voters that the Finance Committee Members that we voted for would do their job, and it is of no consequence to the BOS?

I voted for the Finance Committee Members because the ELECTED POSITION is of importance. I want those ELECTED OFFICIALS to be able to work conscientiously to fulfill their responsibilities for the benefit of the Town.

Are my rights not being taken away when the Board of Selectmen deliberately withhold information and prevent the FinCom from doing their jobs?

Didn't you elect the Finance Committee?

Are you wondering why your taxes are so high and services are being cut?

Do you dislike the way the Town is being run?

Is it time for you to inform yourself and maybe get involved?