Having slept on what transpired yet another night, I find my outrage has only built.
The argument made by Tony Boschetto, Doug Leard, and Ed Collins during the debate that because this was a termination without cause the Selectmen shouldn't discuss it is strikes me as simply beyond disingenuous.
There is a LOT they could have talked about, should have talked about, and had a fiduciary duty to talk about. What could and should they have talked about? Here are just a few examples:
- whether it or not it was actually was a good idea (they didn't)
- precisely what "new direction" the town is supposed to be moving in (they didn't)
- whether Fred could be helpful in transitioning (they didn't)
- whether there might be negotiated alternatives to the 12 month severance (they didn't)
- a transition plan (they didn't)
- why this was "in the best interest of the residents" (they didn't)
- how to handle the upcoming budget year short-handed with only the current assistant Town Administrator (they didn't)
- the overall merits of the proposal, the pros and cons, (maybe even sought public feedback) before voting (they didn't even do that!)
- whether this might have a chilling effect on other employees (they didn't)
- whether this might influence the Town's ability to attract quality personnel in the future (they didn't)
Note: This posting is my work individually, and has not been reviewed or endorsed by the WaylandeNews editorial board.
