Board reorganization under fire by former selectmen

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

rlyon@turley.com

NORTH BROOKFIELD- For the second consecutive week, the usually ho-hum reorganization of the board of selectmen has raised hackles and objections, and blindsided board members as well. This time, though, it appeared that the two male members of the board were taken off guard.

Tuesday, when the selectmen had reached the end of their regular meeting and were about to enter a scheduled executive session, former selectman Frank Hubacz, who had sat quietly through the meeting, asked to address the board. Stating that he had not watched last week’s meeting but “I’ve heard a lot about it all week,” he asked the reason for not following the usual tradition of naming as chairman the senior member of the board. “It’s been a tradition for a long time, and, I think, a good one. I’ve watched this board in action, and I see no reason why Mary Walter should not be given the chairmanship. Rather than accept the word of people on the street, I thought I’d come to this board directly, to see what you have to say.”

After a brief silence, selectmen Jason Petraitis, who has retained the chair’s seat upon nomination by third selectman, now vice-chairman, Robert Filipkowski, stated that the reasons had been given last week.

“I’d like to hear them,” Hubacz said.

Petraitis said “For one, we do not think we receive information from Ms Walter – she doesn’t share it with us.” He went on to say that he and Filipkowski had said last week that the subject might be discussed again at a later date. “But it would have to be in executive session,” he added. “The board is a personality.”

Shaking his head, Hubacz commented that he had never experienced any need for executive session in organizing a board.

At that point, ex-selectmen James Foyle spoke, referring to last week’s action as “what amounts to character assassination.” I’ve been sitting here throughout this meeting; frankly, Mary Walter is the only member of this board I’ve seen provide any information tonight. What’s happened here appears to me to be collusion. We’ve observed from week to week what’s been happening. I don’t understand…Mary has been a fireball – a great benefit to the town. Her work with the budgetary and billing process has helped to take us through some dire years. We highly recommend, we’d appreciate it if you reconsidered for the benefit of the town.”

Petraitis responded that he clearly respects all of the four men, all ex-selectmen, who sat before him. “I respect your opinions and I respect Ms. Walter, too…”

Hubacz said, “ I’m suggesting that you take action now, tonight, to put what appears to be a petty behavior behind us; the solution is to reorganize tonight.”

James Lovett, another ex- selectman, added his voice to that of Hubacz, encouraging immediate action.

Foyle, with another couple in the audience and ex-selectman Richare Chobot nodding in agreement, said, “people in town are talking. They’ve watched, as I have, these meetings weekly; it’s been two against one for quite some time.”

Petraitis ended the discussion by saying, “I’d be more than happy to put it on the agenda for next week.”

Filipkowski, at whose motion the present makeup of the board was voted last week, remained silent, as did Mary Walter.