How sad that I, a private citizen of Phillips, am the one to receive a phone call from the leadership of Avon asking, more or less, “What are you doing?”
This game of cat and mouse between Phillips and Avon has now been churning on for two months. In early December a selectmen’s meeting revealed that Phillips has turned the issue over to the “town’s attorney.” I wasn’t aware that a town the size of Phillips needed a lawyer on retainer. Quite a surprise! And we now know that this attorney has suggested that Phillips sit down with Avon’s leaders and, with his services as moderator and equal handed educator, come to an agreement.
At first blush this sounded ridiculous. Why does a dispute based almost entirely on “attitude,” with a bit of number crunching thrown in for mortar, need an outsider to moderate? Why would a lawyer be needed to “educate” and lead such a meeting (for how much $$ per hour?)? And since when does any attorney “equally represent both sides” and remain unbiased?
At second glance it goes from ridiculous to outrageous! Don’t you guys understand? This is not about needing a complex situation mediated! This is about SIX ADULT MEN sitting down and solving a problem. That you are only now willing, after a lawyer tells you to, to sit and discuss this with Avon is an indicator of how poorly you are serving our town.
Sit down, drop your preconceptions and angers over issues from long ago and put together a deal that works now and that works equally well for both parties, no matter which side you sit on. Phillips, if the deal you want would not be acceptable to you if the tables were turned, then it is no deal at all. Avon, if what you want is a cooperative solution then sit down with my selectmen, tell them to send the lawyer packing, and everyone negotiate in good faith.
Some of us see this whole thing as a gross example of what has gone wrong with town government in recent years. Everyone has something to say about it, but very few are willing to call our selectmen and say it out loud. Even fewer are willing to come to the selectmen’s meeting and speak publicly. Neighbors, we need you to come forward and speak. If you are not willing to accept the consequences, the possibility of shouldering the total cost of the transfer station ourselves, the loss of much of the funding that supports our fire department, and who knows what else in the future, then speak up!
Call Mr. Charles, Mr. Wilber and Mr. Stinchfield and tell them what you expect of them. These are reasonable men. I believe all three are doing what each thinks is right and best for the town. I just happen to strongly disagree with two of them. Call them. Talk with them. Give them some positive input. They are sick of listening to me and the few like me who attend most selectmen’s meetings. Please come and speak in person. Maybe that will lead to an answer to this ridiculous impasse.
Thank you,
Lauri Sibulkin
Phillips
Well said, Lauri!
It is the responsibility of the citizens of the towns to let their leadership know their feelings. These men were all voted in by the people to represent the feelings of the people and if townsfolks are not in agreement with the way things are being handled,then they need to speak up. Without hearing from disgruntled folks, the leadership would only assume that all is ok and continue the same method of operation. Taxpayers should not be bashful to talk with their selectmen. Anytime a resident has concerns or questions (or praise) regarding the use of their tax dollars, they should speak up. If enough unhappy residents contact their leadership, it would seem the leaders would mend their ways (in order to represent the majority) and do as their townspeople desire. Money is tight for everyone and I prefer my tax dollars not be used to pay an unneeded lawyer when we have 6 responsible men capable of reaching a fair agreement using common sense.
I agree with both of you. As a taxpayer of Phillips, my feelings are that it not only stems from the selectman but this argument we are having starts with the town manager. We need to look into this town manager before a contract is signed with him. Look at past history at other towns he has managed. This person is unreasonable. Its his way or no way. This manager is not available if you need to speak with him. On countless occasions I have come into the town office and he is not available. Go by his house, he is home and we are paying him what a yr? In all the years Laura Toothaker was town manager she listened to you and she was always there.
We need to make a compromise with Avon. We need to set down and discus this like adults. Come on Phillips Selectman and town manager..listen, negotiate and act like adults not hot headed know it alls.
The history between Avon and Phillips has always been good. When we needed Avon to help out when the town closed down they were there. I believe that we need to get along with our neighbors, not bicker and fight.
I don’t think it is unreasonable to listen to what Avon is telling you, listen to them.
The petition to get rid of Steve Charles was ok but in my opinion they went after the wrong person. It should have been the town manager…he surely has not been good for this town..
Many agree with what “Cindy” has expressed. But let me allow to clarify the confusion as to the petition. Unfortunately, the citizens cannot remove the town manager based on state statutes. In order to rid the town of the problem, one must look elsewhere. That being the selectmen. They are the only ones who can remove the town manager based on performances. The concept of the petition was to remove one selectmen and have him replaced with an individual who would represent the wishes of the people. In this instance is to work with the Town of Avon for a resolution. The next hope is to have that individual hear the voices of the people and begin the protocol for the removal of the Town Manager. Mr. Charles and Mr. Wilbur hired the town manager thus support his efforts. My opinion is that they refuse to remove their rose color glasses and begin to see what really is going on with him. I don’t know why it is so clear to so many and so blind to them. The majority of the citizens can’t be wrong. To remove 1 selectmen and not 2 was based on the concept as to minimize the disruption to the town. Where Mr. Charles term will be expiring come June, it seemed logical to replace the selectmen with the lease amount of time left. I hope that this clarifies any confusion and where you feel the same way as so many, please support those who are trying to make a positive change for the future of the Town of Phillips. Their efforts are truly for the benefit of the people and to reign in all of the mismanagement.
This is to Maggie that wrote in. I totally agree with you about trying to make a change in this town. It needs to be. You have a new selectman that is new to the business. Then you have a hot headed selectman that doesnt want to listen to anyone, when he should be and then you have Steve that is ready to go out. Yes I understand why the ppl that had the petition going around and yes I signed it..
I believe your statement” their efforts are truly for the benefit of the people and to reign in all mismanagement”
I also believe my statement that we need to get rid of the town manager! And I hope this happens. The selectman cant be all stupid and see that he isnt good for this town..but maybe they are.