CANDIDATE STATEMENT: Fasulo Calls For Audit Of Town Budget, Increased Transparency Measures

Dear Editor:

As I stated in my announcement, I believe government should operate as much as possible in a customer service oriented manner, rather than from an adversarial mindset. I also believe government should operate in the sunlight whenever possible, in order to minimize the perception that something unscrupulous may be taking place. Transparency is not complicated. It is a choice.

As such, when dealing with public records requests, I believe those requests should be fulfilled as quickly and as completely as possible. Refusing to turn over documents that rightfully belong to the public, while improperly invoking an exemption, only adds to distrust in the workings of Town Hall. Many denied requests have been overturned by the state.

Additionally, informational packets that will be discussed in open Select Board meetings should be publicly posted as soon as possible after the meeting is announced. Meeting minutes should also be posted promptly so the public can review them. These are simple business practices that the Select Board can enforce through the Town Manager.

Another area for improvement is how public comment is handled. If a member of the public takes the time to attend a meeting and ask a question during the public comment portion, every reasonable effort should be made to address that question. Dismissing a resident solely because it is public comment is, in my view, anti democratic. Further I am adamantly opposed to doing away with any public comment period during Select Board meetings.

Holding the administration accountable is one of the most important roles of the Select Board, yet we have seen little of it to date. For example, there has been no meaningful discussion by the Board regarding the results of the state mandated annual audit.

I believe taxpayers deserve to know where and how their money is being spent at a much more detailed level than just total budget numbers. Before residents are asked to support any further increases, I will call on the Select Board to request a special audit to identify opportunities for greater accountability, improved efficiency, and the elimination of any potential mismanagement. There is absolutely no harm in asking whether we can do better.

If I earn your vote, I promise to work hard to implement these common sense actions and give residents the confidence they deserve that the Select Board is working for them.

Thank you,
Rob Fasulo