Opinion

There is no room for racial slurs in our town government

NGX editors’ note: It has been brought to our attention that the video of the select board’s December 3 meeting on the town website appears to have been edited since Brian Whitney’s letter was written and submitted for posting. An updated link to the original unedited meeting video appears below.

|To the editor from Brian Whitney|

After watching the emergency board of selectmen’s meeting held on December 3, 2020, I am appalled at the racial slur made by George Colby right after the pledge of allegiance. It is my opinion that there is no excuse or room for racial slurs from our town government.  I encourage all to watch the video of the meeting accessible on the Town of New Gloucester website and gain your own opinion. I feel that dismissal of this select person is necessary.

I have contacted the town manager and all select board members about this. I have received an apology from the board chair and was told the only way to dismiss a board member is through a recall. This is a serious issue and I feel the town manager should have the power to dismiss anyone that is offensive or breaks the rules. 

I have also been told by another board member that “any member of the public is welcome to speak during public comment session if you wanted to raise the topic more”. Unfortunately that is not a true statement if you watch the March 2, 2020 selectmen’s meeting at 15 minutes where the former board chair Linda Chase did not allow citizens to speak about the library during the public comment section. “It could persuade the outcome of the budget process”. It was very obvious that many people were upset with her decision.

With the unnecessary closing of our town library because no one had the forethought to look into the options if the budget failed a second time, there could have easily been a second item on the ballot for emergency funding to keep the library opened. Instead the selectmen chose to close the library much to the dismay of hundreds of citizens.

It is time to take a close look at our town government and not let a select few dismiss the public and their opinions.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this opinion piece are solely those of the author. Publication does not reflect endorsement by the NGXchange or its volunteers. NGX welcomes diverse viewpoints and invites your submissions. Learn more here.