Letters to the Editor

Letter to Editor:

RE: Conflict of Interest article ["Council to seek clarity on conflict of interest" The Monument, July 21, 2005]

Would the M N clarify for the public whether the conflict of interest article was a news story or a quasi editorial positioned as a news story?
If it was a news story it was inaccurate. If it was an editorial it should be so indicated. Specifically:

-The discussion of "Conflict of Interest" arose during discussion of committee reappointments -the reappointment of Peter Gerardo and Claudette Simms. Had there been discussion of Ray Clark the Chair would have to rule it out of order as Mr. Clark was not up for reappointment to a town committee. Yet he is mentioned twice by name --might this be intentional and suggest a personal conflict of interest?

-Andy Upham admitted that he did not understand what constitutes a legal "conflict of interest". The Town Manager noted that this is spelled out in current Council Rules, Council has access to MMA information on the topic and the Town Attorney is most knowledgeable in this area. Also the memo Mr. Upham read from was directed to elected officials not serving on committees - it did not pertain to committee volunteers.

- A review of the meeting tape does not reveal the MMA insert on "incompatibility" -yet it is included in this news article, it does tends to support a point of view-- is this news reporting or personal commentary?

-Many would disagree that "Mr. Berkowitz went to bat for Mr. Gerardo" and he did not mention Mr. Clark (WHO slipped that in again?). As Manager he explained proper process, traditional protocol, and the "Color of Conflict" as opposed to direct conflict and the need to be fair and consistent in matters dealing with valuable town volunteers. It was good advice.

Richard F. Barter, Gray
[Mr. Barter's questions are answered on the Editorial page]

Letter to the Editor:

I read Ms. Matthews's letter [The Monument July 21, 2005] and methinks you doth protest too much. I enjoyed your response, but no one can defend what the last council did. Having been in Town all my life, it's nice to hop we will have a kinder, gentler Council who has a bigger ear than mouth.
It's also nice to read The Monument's objective, uninfluenced point of view from someone who has no long-term ties with resulting influences.

Albert Doughty, Gray

Dear Ms. Prata,

I am writing this Letter to the Editor as a private citizen and not as a member of any committee or board. I want to thank Gaye Mathews for writing her "Letter to the Editor" that was published in the July 21 edition.
Both The Monument and some members of the Town Council do not appear to have respect for former town councilor Pam Wilkinson.

On several occasions short comings of the previous town council have been brought up, and I feel it is an attempt, however subtle, to discredit Pam, in order to make this council look good. Yes, this is my opinion but that's how I see it.

I do want to say that I have attended one of the town council meetings and have been unable to attend the others since the new council has taken office. I have, however, been able to watch some of the meetings on TV. Ms. Prata, your take and coverage in your paper on the proceedings of the meeting are certainly different from mine. I know you feel you are unbiased in your reporting but I don't see it that way. I agree with Gaye.
I will limit my comments to Gaye's letter at this time.

Thank you,
Claudette Simms, Gray

Letter to the Editor:

The Gray Town Council is correct in asking for a decision from a Judge on who owns the title to the Pennell Building. Simply, this is a title search which has to be done in any case. This is not a lawsuit as has been referred to by some. It was also made abundantly clear by the Council that they will work with SAD# 15 and the GPLA as to the future of Pennell and the Trust. They also made it abundantly clear that they will act in the best interest of the citizens of Gray in the resolving of the issue, as it is the Town Council who represents the people, not the GPLA or SAD# 15. Their direction is clear and proper.

Clifton E. Foster, Gray