November 7, 2003

Dunbarton Ethics Committee

C/o Brett St. Claire, Co-Chairman

49 Stark Highway South

Dunbarton, N. H. 03046

 

Dear Members of the Ethics Committee:

 

At last nights Selectmen’s meeting we were informed that allegations of impropriety were levied against one of our members.  We respectfully request that you refer the accusations to the Board of Selectmen for their review and potential remedy.

 

Your rules and form clearly indicate instructions for complaint, that they “have exhausted all other avenues of relief that are available within the Dunbarton Town Government”.  This did not occur, as the accusations were never aired at a meeting of the selectmen or a request by any of the individuals to be heard by the selectmen.

 

Additionally, the issues raised by the complainants were discussed in public meetings at either an executive session or in public.  As a matter of record votes were cast and the findings of these allegations were in fact decisions of the sitting Board of Selectmen without recording any dissention.  Obviously, these votes do not reflect the decision of any one person or the influence of any one person.  Additionally, during a non-public session of which none of the complainants were in attendance information about that particular meeting is stated verbatim in the complaint.  It is a usual and customary practice that committees or supervisors recommending personnel for employment have been supported by the Board of Selectmen, pending medical and background checks if required.

 

Further, the complaint lacks substance as stated above.  Clearly, actions were legally taken by the Board of Selectmen.  We feel it is important that you cancel the agenda and refer the complaints to the Board of Selectmen.

 

                                                                        Sincerely,

 

 

                                                                        Charles Graybill, Chairman

 

                                   

                                                                        Stephen Kennedy

                                                                        Selectmen, Town of Dunbarton

 

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POTENTIAL PROCEDURAL CHANGE:

 

 

 

All correspondence directed to individuals should be sent via certified mail / return receipt requested.  Correspondence should be in a clearly marked envelope with a return address The Ethics Committee, c/o of the Town of Dunbarton.