Glaring favoritism in TA Search
When Fairhaven selectmen are sworn in they take a solemn oath to “faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon them.”
Chairman Daniel Freitas and Selectman Keith Silvia have violated that oath — most recently during the Town Administrator selection process. Both have done everything in their power to advance Ms. Wendy Graves over more qualified applicants.
First, they voted 2 to 1 to appoint her “Interim” Town Administrator attempting to give her some requisite experience for the top job. Then they insisted that she be interviewed even though she was not selected as one of the final three recommended candidates. Further, when damaging facts came to light about her checkered background — personal financial and job history problems — they continued to champion her candidacy. WHY?
They even went so far as making changes in the Interim TA contract to advantage her and make it more generous that the previous TA contract.
Along the way she had her lawyer send a threatening Cease and Desist letter to Selectman Espindola claiming, without any stated proof, that he disparaged her; apparently a blatant intimidation attempt to prevent him for taking part in her interview. (See documents: http:// www.fairhavenneighborhoodnews. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/02-23-21-EspindolaDisclosure.pdf)
Ms. Graves tried to explain away her background by blaming her associates and co-workers, the software program, and that she was not a good fit. Excuses that Freitas chose to frame as Ms. Graves, the victim, even though her work history speaks for itself.
A job history should reflect that the candidate left each job in a better position than when they took the job. Yet, it seems every position Ms. Graves held was worse off as she departed. Especially concerning is the two years she omitted where that town was forced into receivership.
In fairness, Ms. Graves is experienced in accounting/finance and helped maintain Fairhaven’s A+ rating. But the TA position is significantly more expansive than her functional discipline. The TA job demands executive leadership and managerial skills beyond what Ms. Graves presents. She is not qualified, especially in comparison to the other candidates who were thoroughly experienced and highly accomplished, AND all inexplicably passed over by Mr. Freitas.
Immediately after Ms. Graves’ interview Mr. Freitas moved swiftly to motion that she be appointed TA! He did not allow further discussion or questions from citizens.
The glaring favoritism exhibited by Mr. Freitas and Mr. Silvia throughout this process is an egregious example of cronyism. Promoting their favorite over better qualified candidates is a dereliction of duty to Fairhaven and a violation of their oath of office to be impartial. This cronyism, defined as a form of corruption, should be independently investigated. Citizens must act to hold Chairman Freitas accountable and remove him from office.
Cathy Delano, Fairhaven
•••
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.
Click here to download the entire 3/25/21 issue: 03-25-21 MissingMan
