Questions About The Animal Control Officer

To the Editor:

1. What was the total cost to Newtown taxpayers, including payables (invoices not yet paid and/or received) incurred as a result of the firing of the Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason? I have heard rumors as high as $75,000 — possible? Can you determine that all invoices have been submitted and accounted for? Have you verified this with the legal firm?

2. Has the town reimbursed Carolee Mason for the COBRA payments she made as a result of her wrongful firing? If not, do you agree that she should be reimbursed?

3. Has the town reimbursed Carolee Mason for the legal expenses she incurred? Do you agree she should be reimbursed?

4. I believe that the town should organize a fundraiser if necessary to make her whole.

In my opinion, this episode made the town and its officials look ignorant, stupid, inexperienced, sadistic, pompous. I just shook my head. What an embarrassment!

Please let me know what we, the townspeople, can do to rectify this situation.

Thank you,

Caren Nelson

116 Brushy Hill Road, Newtown                              October 29, 2009