LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Still Waiting for Selectmen's Response

I watched the video of the February 11 meeting of Sudbury’s Financial Committee (FinCom) at which Robert Stein questioned the process by which Town Counsel’s contract was awarded, and whether this process accorded with the Sudbury Town Bylaws.  After reviewing the Bylaw and the Town Meeting at which it was adopted, I delivered the letter below to the Board of Selectmen’s office. When I received no response, I delivered a second copy.

I believe prompt consideration of this matter is in order, and hope the Selectmen will take it up soon.

Pat Brown, speaking as a resident of Sudbury only

Whispering Pine Road

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Re-delivered March 4, 2013

February 25, 2013

To the Board of Selectmen:

Under the conditions of Article VII Section 5a of the Sudbury Town Bylaws, at least every 36 months the Selectmen shall request proposals from legal service providers for the position of Town Counsel.  The intent of Section 5 is quite clear from the discussion at the 1992 Sudbury Annual Town Meeting at which it was adopted (Article 38).

If the Board of Selectmen has issued such a request during the last 36 months, please tell me when the request was issued.

Otherwise, I request the Board immediately commence the selection of Town Counsel as described in the Bylaws.  Article VII Section 5B allows for an interim appointment or extension for 120 days to enable the Town to maintain continuous legal coverage during the selection process.  However, the Board must act promptly to solicit and complete the evaluation of the candidates before this period expires.

To delay the process or to extend the existing contract without engaging in this evaluation violates the express wishes of Sudbury’s Town Meeting as codified in our bylaws.  It fosters the unfortunate perception that the Board does not feel itself bound by the rules that it applies to others.

I urge you to act at your earliest opportunity.

Respectfully,

Pat Brown

Whispering Pine Road 

Enclosures:  Article VII (Legal Affairs), Sudbury Town Bylaws

Proceedings of Sudbury’s 1992 Annual Town Meeting, Article 38