Trying to Stay Neutral

My goals for Heath Connects were to be informative, be factual, and be unbiased, keeping personal opinion to a minimum.  This last goal has become impossible. 

I have watched the Select Board struggle with many difficult issues.. Some of their decisions have been unpopular among a faction in town resulting in unjustified personal attacks.  One of the most repeated criticisms I have heard has to do with Brian's statement, when Select Board chair, that there would be a town wide meeting prior to moving town offices. Such a meeting was fully intended when stated, but COVID was a game changer and such a meeting was no longer possible. 

Another hot item was the temporary move to Jacobs Road:
When COVID safety became a concern in Sawyer Hall, employees were offered the choice of working from home, working a staggered shift, or working at Jacobs Road. This was assumed short term until COVID went away.  That didn't happen and to some extent still has not happened.  At some point town government needed to come together and Jacobs Road was the only place where that could happen safely.  Robyn's recent comment on the situation was that until such a time that another structure becomes available to the town that meets all concerns, [COVID safety, accessibility, proper egress, parking] Jacobs Road best serves the greater town and employees.

I have seen what I would call slanderous and libelous attacks in the Recorder, in emails, and statements made during Public Comment.   As a regular attendee of the Select Board meetings since May of 2020, I have been appalled by this behavior.  Of course, it is ok to question and criticize decisions constructively but personal attacks are out of place  anywhere.

It is the fiduciary responsibility of our elected officials to do what is best for all residents. I applaud the courage of our Select Board for doing what they believe is the right thing in the face of abusive personal attacks.   I have always found them to act with integrity and in the best interest of all Heathans. That's what we elected them to do.

I encourage constructive dialog and comments.