I read with some interested Jenny Healy’s observations of town officials’ behavior at a few town related meetings.
I read with some dismay Town Manager [Derek] Brindisi’s comments. I should perhaps start by saying I was terribly put off by his directive over the winter to town employees to not talk to the Independent. Muzzling town employees from dealing with the paper is so clearly not the way to deal with any disputes/issues Mr. Brindisi may have with local news. We’re so fortunate to have a local paper. Mr. Brindisi could take advantage of it to gain support for his agenda and showcase his and [the] town’s achievements.
Ms. Healy wrote of Meg Sheehan’s respectful and straightforward presentation during citizen input at a recent Select Board meeting. Well, her remarks didn’t seem that way to our town manager who was quoted as saying, “True to form, Ms. Sheehan has provided a lot of misinformation to the community, but that’s to be expected of late.”
At a different meeting the town manager accused the Board of Health of being hyperactive and acting more like an elected board than an appointed one. These remarks seem to signify a bureaucrat not particularly interested in dialogue and working out issues in a collaborative way.
Civic engagement is key to good governance. The town manager’s dismissive attitude toward both the press and public discourse is troubling. Mutual respect, open dialogue and a willingness to engage with differing perspectives should be the basis for town leadership.
Shutting down discussion – whether by restricting employees from, speaking to the news site, dismissing citizen concerns or belittling appointed boards – erodes trust and weakens a community.
– Patrice Minton