Oh, here we go again. This is getting sooooo tiresome.
Contrary to Mr. Freitas’s fantasy world where first there are so many reporters clamoring to get into the room it could never be allowed due to overcrowding concerns and second there hasn’t been a reporter in the room in years (yes, he said both things were true at the same time, see page 4), the Neighb News has been faithfully covering Selectboard meetings for 16 years. We have been in the room for nearly all of them, simply missing one or two here and there over the years, until COVID restrictions and Mr. Freitas’s brazen attack on the First Amendment and this paper by keeping us out of the room.
Mr. Silvia, you will remember, was allowed in the room during the campaign before he was a Selectboard member and during the most stringent restrictions. We have asked repeatedly to be let in the room, as the Zoom option is woefully inadequate. Mr. Freitas said no, Mr. Espindola said yes, and Mr. Silvia (who may as well cite his white male privilege out loud) has never responded to the email requests that were made by the town administrator.
Are you disgusted with these guys yet and their blatant double standard?
Mr. Freitas’s assertion that the governor has ordered it is ridiculous. He did not. Town Counsel wrote in an email that it is up to the board. (Besides, anyone can read the exectuive order. It’s pretty clear.) The press is an essential service, essential to democracy, essential to the public, essential to transparent government, all things that apparently are not important to Mr. Freitas.
Are you disgusted yet?
They routinely let in people with appointments, have let in several people at a time when it’s something they think is important.
Well, the press is important. And watching it on TV, via Zoom, or on the computer is not the same as being in the room. Of course, they know that. Which is why they want us out. Donthathink?Are you disgusted yet?
Anyway, welcome back.
Fire Chief Tim Francis is retiring (see page 13), and his ride home shindig is on Friday (see page 5). I’m sure we’ll be seeing him around town, though. Vroom vroom…see you on the bike in the spring, Tim!
Oh, can’t forget our cover. No official plunge this year, but people still wanna have fun!
See page 12 for some brrrr talk.
Until next week then…see ya (from a distance)
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Click here to download the entire 1/7/21 issue: 01-07-21 NonPlunge
