Select Board Should Rescind Vote
Witnessing the lack of leadership and professionalism by two members of the Select Board is disappointing and deeply concerning. It would appear that the greater mission — to represent Fairhaven and to act in the best interests of the residents of this town — is not the focus for Ms. Mello and Mr. Romano.
On May 12, they were charged with the responsibility of choosing the most qualified candidate to best represent Fairhaven residents and their most valuable assets to serve as a voting member of the ZBA. Instead, they chose the least qualified candidate without any zoning experience in Fairhaven or any other municipality. He was chosen over the former Chairperson of the ZBA with 18 years of zoning experience and over the former Chairperson of the Planning Board with 8 years of planning and zoning experience.
Seemingly, the only advantage that Mr. Sullivan held over the other two candidates was that he was a campaign contributor and active supporter of Mello’s campaign for her seat on the Select Board, which she won just one month prior to that meeting. A strikingly similar scenario played out last year when Romano nominated and voted his real estate client and campaign supporter to the ZBA. These decisions are not in the best interest of Fairhaven residents who rely on the ZBA to make educated, well-informed decisions regarding their properties.
Additionally, much of the questioning of the candidates on May 12 by Mello and Romano was inappropriate, uncalled for, and spiteful. It has no place in Fairhaven politics. Candidates for boards need not be subjected to questioning from our appointing authority that is sexist in nature or has divisive intent. Had I had the opportunity to speak on this in detail at the June 9 meeting, I would have elaborated. However, Mello requested that the agenda item be held behind closed doors in executive session. She did not want an open and honest discussion on the topic.
It’s becoming increasingly clear Romano and Mello, two publicly elected officials who hold what is arguably the most powerful position in Fairhaven, are using their authority to unjustly undermine and disparage volunteers who have dedicated their time and efforts to Fairhaven. It certainly has the appearance of their attempt to strengthen their political factions.
Appointments to boards should not be an opportunity for select board members to strengthen their own business relationships, reward campaign supporters, bolster political alliances, or humiliate political opponents. The Select Board had an opportunity to right the wrong and start fresh by holding their discussion in an open meeting, rescinding their vote, and considering all candidates without bias to choose the most qualified person to serve on the ZBA. Unfortunately, they chose to meet in executive session and not act at this time.
It appears that the promise of transparency is nothing more than a buzzword, sung loudly during campaign season. As of June 9, there has been no action taken to rescind the vote and there has been no acknowledgement of wrongdoing.
Erin Carr, Mattapoisett
Ms. Carr owns a business in Fairhaven
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