3 Members Of Natick Finance Committee Resign

NATICK, MA — Three members of Natick's all-volunteer Finance Committee quit this week, a change that comes amid a challenging budget season for the town.

According to the resignation letters, the Finance Committee members quit for a variety of reasons, from "professional and personal commitments" to a disagreement over how committee meetings are being run. The 15-member Finance Committee makes recommendations on how the town should spend money in advance of Town Meeting, among other duties.

The resignations this week include members Patrick Hayes, Kristine van Amsterdam, and Dan Sullivan. Each one emailed Town Moderator Frank Foss to resign between June 16 and June 17.

Hayes offered the most pointed reason for resigning, saying that he was going to step down following the 2020 spring Town Meeting. The reasons include commitments to family and work, but also town affairs.

"[G]iven our meaningfully different perspective on how to conduct Finance Committee meetings I've determined that it's best to make this effective immediately," Hayes wrote. "I just don't have the time, attention or willingness to fight about this."

"With professional and personal commitments that only grow, providing the fullest commitment to this important role is not as possible as I would prefer," Sullivan wrote in his letter. Kristine van Amsterdam did not provide a reason in her letter.

Foss said that the resignations come amid a lot of turmoil, both in Natick and in society as a whole.

"I believe that resignations are greatly impacted by the following: COVID-19 pandemic, societal upheaval (including racism issues), changes in professional status and work habits, duties as assigned as parents with kids out of schools, summer activities, etc., and stress of likely long-term unknown future financial and social changes; compounded by town budget woes, leadership shortcomings and political advocacy activities," Foss he wrote when asked about why the members resigned.

Natick Town Administrator Melissa Malone on June 9 submitted a revised budget proposal for the fiscal 2021 year. The new proposal includes cuts that may result in layoffs, and a further drop in school spending. Ultimately, the budget will go to Town Meeting for final approval. The meeting is set to begin on July 7 at Wilson Middle School.

The town is seeking new members for the Finance Committee. There are now six open slots that will be filled by June 30. Foss is accepting applications now.