To the editor:
In another episode of Ludlow politics, the Board of Selectmen have failed to understand Maine law and continue to conduct business secretly and without oversight by the public. After the scheduled monthly Selectmen’s meeting March 13, attended by the public, they convened a secret executive session called by third
selectman Donna Austin to give a private citizen another chance to attack the Town Administrator Diane Hines without informing her beforehand.
This action by the Selectmen violates Maine law on four counts: 1.) executive session must be held within the Selectmen’s meeting by a specific motion, not before or after the meeting in secret; 2.) the complaint or charge must be submitted in writing so that the “defendant” is given time to reflect and respond to the charge; 3.) the “defendant” decides whether the hearing should happen in open session or executive session; and 4.) the manner in which this secret executive session was conducted constituted an illegal tribunal in which the Town Administrator’s civil rights were violated by the Selectmen allowing a private citizen to attack a town employee to satisfy her personal grievance; this is the province of the Board of Selectmen only, not the right or privilege of an unelected citizen of the town.
Shame on you, Selectmen, for bringing the Spanish Inquisition to Ludlow!
Glenn Hines
Hammond
