If
the BoS does actually hold a hearing to remove a finance committee member based
on these false allegations it will set an important precedent for future
policy. This would give the BoS the ability to manipulate the investigative powers
of the finance committee. The finance committee or any of its members could be
reluctant to examine particular issues or persons for fear of repercussions. Putting
this power in the hands of the BoS would hamper the ability of the finance
committee to do its duty. I have been making light of the situation, but it
really is serious. These people believe that they can get away with this
because they don’t think anyone has the guts to stand against them. I think
they’re wrong. We have to ask ourselves what we are going to do about it. Are
we going to just let it unfold or are we going to finally get outraged enough
to do something about it.
At
this point the BoS is planning to set up a bogus committee to remove an
appointed finance committee member. Since at least two, out of this group of
five, are the accusers it seems to be a bit biased; but you can decide. Since we the people direct the policy of the
town, we should set up an equitable procedure for removing an appointed
committee member; not an angry group of selectmen. If we do need a mechanism to
remove a committee member for cause, then we should set it up correctly. The BoS
or even the finance committee may need an independent panel to oversee this
process; in case they ever do need to remove someone. A complaint would be filed
and this panel could determine if the charges are legitimate and if removal is
warranted. Then there should be an appeal process to keep the process fair for
the accused. After all we are a country founded on the rule of law and due
process.
I
usually don’t do this since it is such an inconvenience to those being called. However,
because this is such an important issue for the future of our town, I would like
to ask you the people to weigh in on
this matter. Most of you have read what I’ve written. You know I have never
accused anyone of malfeasance. You know I have never slandered anyone. Yet
these people went on the record accusing me of these things. There is no
evidence in my writings to support their accusations; yet they keep chanting
that I am guilty. Do they believe that if they keep repeating the mantra that
it will somehow become true?
If
you think the Selectmen are overstepping their bounds then I would ask you to call
them and tell them unequivocally that they are wrong to remove a member in this
manner. The process of checks and balances’ hangs in the balance. Call the town
hall or email your selectmen and express your outrage over this abuse of power. The complete contact information can
be found at this link http://egremont-ma.gov/contact.html.
Telephone: (413) 528-0182 X 10. Fax : (413) 528-5465 If the calls are too many, Mary may put her
phone on voice mail; if so just leave a message. If you get a busy signal it
means there is a lot of outrage, so keep calling to express yours. I would
also appreciate if you could express your support by leaving a comment in the
comment section saying “I agree” or simply click reply to my email, express your support and it will be
kept private. I thank you for your support.
KevinZurrin
Kevin- The Town of Egremont Appointed Committee Handbook should be the guide. 2.8 of the Handbook covers "Other Termination," besides resignation or reappointment. It states "In rare circumstances such as continued, unexplained absences or conflict of interest, the appointing authority may ask for a member's resignation or, if necessary, revoke the appointment. Also, the appointment of a committee member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings may be considered for termination. Prompt, written notification to the committee member will be given in the event of such action." I don't read anywhere that disagreeing with the Selectboard is a reason for termination.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest a call to the Attorney General's office for direction, as well as the Ethics Commission regarding conflict of interest of the two Selectmen on the "judging" committee.
Lastly, Section D of the Town's Personnel Policy covers Disciplinary Procedures. A case can be made for committee members being employees.
Don't stop! Stand up and fight.
Thank you one for the support two for the rules. I hope many stand with me. And I hope this is a turning point for the town. We the citizens have to take control of our town.
ReplyDeleteI Agree! I also think a lot of other people agree. I also think it might be helpful to hear from other people especially ones who are customers of the water company. It might also be good if we had the courage to not reply anonymously, that way they take our comments more seriously.
ReplyDeleteNick Fredsall
Courage Nick Fredsall ? Let me see what I can muster !
DeleteKevin, in my mind you are enormously courageous. I am fully on the side of civility and transparency in government and if what I read is truly happening we have an enormous problem beyond the water department's fiscal state. I believe elected and appointed officials truly try to do what is best and that sometimes emotion can sway those intentions. Kevin's courage should remind us all that democracy is not a spectator sport. Thank you Kevin.
ReplyDeleteLucinda Vermeulen
I agree with Lucinda. We should all try to be there Monday to put a stop to this tyranny. It's time for some serious sweeping at town hall.
ReplyDeleteYou can read more at my blog at www.egremont.blogspot.com.
ReplyDeleteHow's that for standing up. Change adds up, all in good time....
ReplyDelete