Cultural Council members urge Holdcraft reappointment

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

BROOKFIELD – Three members of the Brookfield Cultural Council appeared before selectmen recently to request the reappointment of political gadfly David Holdcraft to the cultural council. Holdcraft, a member of the council since 2006, was not reappointed when his term ended in June of this year.

A letter, read by council chairman William Simpson and signed by him, stated the mission of the Brookfield Cultural Council as “To promote access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences in order to improve the quality of life for Brookfield residents and to contribute to the economic vitality of our community.”

The letter went on to urge on the part of “We, the members of the Brookfield Cultural Council” the appointment, for a three year term, of David Holdcraft. A final paragraph listed in detail Holdcraft’s contributions in planning and implementing council projects including grant requests and other events listed in the council’s annual report to the town.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Rudy Heller thanked Simpson for the letter and said the board would take it under advisement.

Simpson, responding, thanked the board for their consideration.

“We’ll ask to be placed on the agenda next week and ask again and each following week until you consider it,” Simpson said. “Our council can by law have 23 members with three year terms. We now have 10 members, and could use the full 23. We hold an important place in this community, and hold a lot of events enjoyed by members of the community. David Holdcraft has been a great asset; he contributes a lot.”

Also on the agenda from the cultural council were members Barbara Wilson and Jeanne Lytle. Wilson spoke in favor of Holdcraft’s reappointment, accusing the selectmen of “discrimination against certain people.”

“We have a manpower concern in this town,” Wilson said. “You people should remember that there are 2,400 voters in this town. You are not representing most of those voters, only the few who go to the polls and support you. You should put your personal agendas aside for this particular appointment, and appoint the person who has worked for all of the people.”

Heller responded, saying “Perhaps you should raise a campaign to get more people to vote.”

Lytle chose not to speak, saying that her presence was in support of Simpson’s and Wilson’s action.

Later, during the public access period at the end of the meeting, Holdcraft spoke for the allotted three minutes.

“It’s not for you three people to approve what a volunteer does for the townspeople,” Holdcraft said.

He said he had volunteered for the townspeople, the children and parents who live in the community and those who visit.

“You should re-evaluate who you’re here to serve, and not deprive the people who live and work here due to a personal vendetta,” he continued. “Your refusing to reappoint me is a big joke. Personally, I don’t care whether you reappoint me or not. But you’re depriving the townspeople of the services of a person who has volunteered a lot in their behalf, freely and willingly.”

Heller responded, “Mr. Holdcraft, you can volunteer to do anything you want to, as a volunteer.”

The meeting was then ended, to enter into executive session.