You could not be more correct. There was nothing in the posts of the now infamous Marty that are in any way libelous and the entire matter can and should be resolved by the bos just clarifying and discussing the important matters Marty raised. Their unwillingness to take a stand or respond has caused a severe negative impact to the chief. How can they all vote for the chief and then not support here by responding to these issues? Just answer the questions asked and if all was done properly, that ends it.

Now if they remain silent, what does that tell the residents? Either that their questions do not warrant a response (which no one would believe) or that they are hiding something that will not reflect positively on the process (which most everyone believes).

Now that being said, if Marty has real evidence of OML or Exec session violations then Marty can just file a complaint with the DA. If he hasn’t done that then I question his motives and proof.

But not his right of privacy or free speech.

That said, I notice that most of the posters above are using their real names.

Further, I read the post by “Marty”, and fail to understand the reaction by Southborough’s BOS, and do not see what the value of identifying him would be. I’ve seen much worse on other discussion boards. Why not just address his concerns and questions, and move on?

Both of these budgets are under the control of the Board of Selectmen and they would be the only body that would be responsible for authorizing expenditures from this budget.

If you want to know how much money was expended you could make a public records request to the Town Administrator.

If you think these monies are being spent frivolously then you might consider issuing a hold on these budgets and making a motion for a smaller amount on the floor of Town Meeting. I would recommend having someone handy to second your motion so it can be debated. You will also have to hand a written copy of your motion to the Clerk. There is an easy form that is available at the table by the check in or a simple piece of paper will and all you would have to do is write “I move that the Legal Budget be reduced to $XX,XXXX (your number here)”

For the record, my comment questioned whether the Superintendent, as a public employee, should be engaged in lobbying for the budget which is a very political act. State law, which I cited, is pretty clear on this. I have since met with Dr. Gobron and he has given me his word that he understands the limits and I take that at face value. I believe Dr. Gobron is a dedicated and honest public servant.

My comments never extended to Ms. Polutchko who, as an elected official, should be engaged in the “cut and thrust” of political activity. I fully expect and support members of the School Committee lobbying and organizing support for their budget. These activities are the building blocks of democracy.

I am not afraid of Aldo or the Board of Selectmen. The will not muzzle me.

Interesting article in the Boston Globe “Globe West” yesterday, citing Atty. Cipriano, acting in his capacity as Town Counsel on behalf of Town and his letter to Susan Fitzgerald:
“We strongly suggest that you more closely monitor remarks made on the communication site ensuring that when individuals speak to issues that they do so accurately and without false allegations of violating state law,’’ Cipriano stated in a letter in late October. He also asked Fitzgerald to retain all records of Internet addresses, messages and any online communication from her forum in relation to the Police Chief Search Committee .
I am wondering if Atty Cipriano made the same demand when Town official Al Hamilton (Advisory Committee) alleged on this site that Supt. Charles Gobron and School Committee member Kathleen Polutchko violated state laws and ethics by informing townspeople directly of school budget matters. See http://www.mysouthborough.com/2010/01/28/attend-an-information-session-on-the-school-budget/
Is Atty Cipriano applying his legal muscle “on behalf of the Town” consistently???? I think not.

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