GEORGETOWN – Amy Graffum, a member of the Conservation Commission, sent this letter to the SelectBoard, complaining about SelectBoard member Michael Donahue’s threat to file charges against fellow board member Rachel Bancroft. SelectBoard Chair Robert Hoover read this letter into the record.
Donahue told the SelectBoard he still planned to file the charges against Bancroft with the attorney general, but had not because he had been asked to meet with the police chief first.
“Dear Select Board members, I am writing this to share my concern regards to what happened at the last board meeting on June 9th.
“Mike Donahue utilizing his new position as a board member to threaten to bring charges against a fellow board member is not only an (Open Meeting Law) violation, as it was not on the agenda, but it was an abuse of the position he holds on the select board.
“Regardless of how Mr. Donahue feels about the actions of his fellow board member, during a select board meeting was not the appropriate time, place or way to go about doing what he did.
“Mr. Donahue’s rant should not have been allowed to continue as it was harassing and off-topic.
“I have great hopes for this Select Board with its mix of old and new ideas and experiences and I understand there is a learning curve when people step into new rolls – but this indiscretion must be addressed, publicly (as it occurred publicly), as behavior such as this is not legal by Massachusetts General Laws, Open Meeting regulations and it perpetuates the tone of negativity and in-fighting that has become prevalent amongst the Georgetown Boards and Commissions.”
Graffum added: “Also Rachel Bancroft should be allowed to serve as the chair of the Conservation Commission should the ConCom wish it so – OR Mike Donahue should immediately step down as chair of the Parks and Rec Commission.”
Town Administrator Orlando Pacheco said it is his understanding that a member of the SelectBoard can also serve as chair of another board or commission as long as another member is appointed to sign all documents. Donahue told the SelectBoard the Parks and Recreation Commission voted last week to follow that advice. ♦
