By Beth David, Editor
Well, I have to start with a correction of sorts. Keith Silvia called to say that I got it wrong in my editorial last week when I told him he could not email another Selectboard member. Because there are only three on the board, that would constitute a quorum and be an Open Meeting Law Violation. At the meeting Mr. Silvia had asked Bob Espindola if he read an email.
When he called, Mr. Silvia said he was responding TO Mr. Espindola’s email.
There are a couple of things that they can email to each other about, like requesting or informing each other of agenda items. Mr. Espindola said that is what it was. He said he contacted the chairperson, who told him to email Mr. Silvia.
Sorry about that guys. The correction is not for the article, Mr. Silvia did say what we quoted him as saying, it was just not quite what it seemed like.
Now, onto the Board of Health.
Heaven help us all. What a mess.
The board put the health agent on paid administrative leave (see page 12), even though they did not state a cause for that. If the interim Health Agent was truly hired to be interim, why are you not letting the permanent health agent back in? The other two employees are gone, so you have a newbie all by herself in there, although it appears she has plenty of interference from the board. But, really.
And, the attorney representing all three health department employees (one is “former” employee now), released a report, much to the chagrin of town officials (see page 11). They are not happy that the public is finally finding out a little more of what all the fuss is about. Although, I’m assured (with glee it seems) that I am still quite in the dark about many things.
I suspect, however, that more information will now start to find the light of day.
But honestly, it’s just all so exhausting.
It’s like a neighbor dispute: There are no winners, you can’t get to the bottom of it, everyone thinks they’re right, and it’s impossible to tell who’s telling the truth because they all believe they are telling the truth (well, almost all).
They all need to sit down and stop yelling at each other. And OTHER people need to stay the hell out of it. There are too many people whose agendas do not fit in with making sure that department runs correctly. There are petty little vendettas getting in the way. And there are others listening to the people with the petty little vendettas. Really, Fairhaven, we have to start being a bit more discerning with whom we elect to these offices.
It’s disheartening, because the vast majority of the people working in town hall are just trying to do their jobs to the best of their ability.
Stay tuned. This ain’t over.
Until next week then…see ya (from a distance)
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