Damaging Newtown’s Reputation

To the Editor:

The way the town has handled the employment of Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason has been atrocious, to say nothing of the damage done to the reputation of Newtown. Our first selectman and chief of police have failed to do their jobs. As elected and appointed civil servants, we expect them to be ethical and diplomatic beyond reproach. Instead, they have dragged the reputation of a dedicated and honest woman, and this town, through the mud. This is worse than an embarrassment. Not only does it show total disrespect for a citizen and town employee, it also demonstrates a complete disregard for the June 22, 2009, ruling of the Board of Selectmen, which called for the reinstatement of Carolee Mason to her position as Newtown’s animal control officer.

Many of us followed this case from its onset, having sat through more than 11 hours of grueling testimony, and were greatly encouraged that the right thing had been done when Mrs Mason was reinstated as animal control officer, with the caveat that she receive training. For eight weeks, Mrs Mason duly reported to the police department to complete this training so she could return to her job. Now we find that she was insulted, yet again, when her supervisors somehow deemed her unfit for the animal control officer’s position last week, and told her to consider the job of kennel keeper!

Is it any wonder that the selectmen’s meeting of August 24 was so explosive? Citizens have had their fill of municipal pettiness, incompetence, and bad decisions. By First Selectman Borst’s own admission, the town has spent $48,000 on this issue — enough!

Let us now direct our combined energies to be sure that Mrs Mason is immediately returned to her position as municipal animal control officer, and allow her to do the job for which she is so gifted.

Sherry Paisley

38 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook                   August 26, 2009