To the Editor,
Two years ago when our current first selectman was sworn in, he characterized Monroe as a town wherein we are, “not just neighbors, we are a family and a team.” He pledged “transparency.”
Flash forward two years later and the Democratic “neighbors” ask for him to produce contracts and invoices during his term in office relating in part to St Jude’s renovations.
What is the response from his Administration? First, it cites a statute inapplicable to the request. Then a “neighbor” apparently operating in a parallel universe, cites a statute known only to him to conclude that the first selectman has not violated the FOI law.
Next another friend and neighbor calls the Democrats “slimy” for having the temerity to ask the first selectman to produce contracts and invoices that the taxpayers are paying for. One even calls our candidate Leon Ambrosey, who stepped forward to give our town a choice, a “little parasite” on social media.
My personal favorite is Republican candidate for Town Council Sean O’Rourke, who suggests that I am “disingenuous” in implying that Mr. Vaglivelo’s “Compliant” (sic) was not actually a “Compliant” (sic), but rather a mere request. He challenged me to clarify this, so in that same spirit of neighborliness and family I am happy to do so.
- The recipient of a request for contracts, invoices ete under FOI. has four (4) business days to produce them or object to their production. (CGS Section 1-206). Now almost two (2) months later there has been no compliance; not a single contract or invoice has been disclosed.
- The party making the request must file a form with the Freedom of Information
Commission specifically called, “Complaint,” within thirty days (30) of the request. (CGS Section 1-206(b)1) or lose the right to do so. I’m hardly an “expert,” as he implies, but the form can be found online.
Is Councilman O’Rourke even mildly curious about where our taxpayers’ dollars go? Think again. Instead he parses words, albeit the wrong ones, while ignoring the basic issue of the public’s right to know.
So what does this all say about the Rooney School of Government? Talk a good game about transparency, while ignoring the laws regarding disclosure of the contracts and invoices he entered into. Let minions call opponents names and confuse the public with misinformation.
I have called this town my home for 68 years. We deserve better than such a cynical approach to our government. It’s time for change. A successful local business owner like Leon Ambrosey can bring about that change.
Fred Martin,
Fred Martin, a former town attorney, is active in Democratic Party politics in town.
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
