Continuing Concerns

To the Editor:

Apparently, I was not clear in expressing my concerns at the special meeting of the Board of Selectmen on September 24, 2008, as they were misunderstood by Charles Hepp (Letter Hive, “Inconvenience One, Or Many?” 10/3/08). I had three concerns and they were as follows.

1. The fact that I changed an appointment to be there was of little consequence and not my issue. The concern was that I believe that it was and is inappropriate and shows a disregard for the convenience of the public to hold a meeting on such an important matter at 10 am rather than at our normal meeting time of 7:30 pm. It is inconsiderate of the public who have to work or arrange child care. It is likely the reason for the small audience.

2. There was confusion in scheduling the meeting and the date was changed twice. At the end of the prior week, I was asked if I could attend that important meeting on Wednesday, September 24. I said that I could, as did Selectman Mangiafico. Then, on Monday, September 22, I received an email with an agenda for the special meeting to be held instead on Tuesday, September 23. I indicated that I had a commitment that would prevent me from attending. I later learned that the Superintendent of Schools and some Board of Education members also could not be there on Tuesday, but that Mr Borst was still adamant about holding the meeting anyway. It was only after Selectman Mangiafico finally prevailed upon him that he changed the meeting back to Wednesday, September 24.

3. At the very beginning of the special meeting, First Selectman Borst attempted to go to a vote before hearing from the public, or the Board of Education and their consultants. He took the ludicrous position that we could have discussion and have our questions answered after we voted. It was only after my strenuous objection and with the support of Selectman Mangiafico that Mr Borst conducted the meeting in the normal, proper manner.

My frustration at the meeting was for the above reasons and because they are emblematic of the manner in which First Selectman Borst has conducted himself for the last ten months despite the efforts of Selectman Mangiafico and me to help him. There has been a consistent lack of adequate information for and preparation of matters on the agendas of selectmen’s meetings. Of more concern is the lack of timely follow through on matters adopted by the Board of Selectmen or tabled for more information. These are just a few of the continuing concerns.

Sincerely,

Herb Rosenthal

70 Main Street, Newtown                                             October 8, 2008