Disturbing behavior at April 2 Rye Select Board meeting

To the residents of Rye:

Is the Board of Selectman meeting of April 2, 2024, the new type of governing approach for our community? Absent were behaviors of respect, transparency, and listening to the views of the residents on a policy change. I would encourage all of you Rye residents to go to the town website and watch the recording of the meeting.

Let’s put aside the merits of the policy changes which centered around the creation and functioning of the several committees staffed by volunteers. The town depends on the commitment of thoughtful Rye citizens in many areas vital to the town. Several concerns came to mind when I watched and re-watched the recording.

The meeting was called for an early afternoon with very little notice. Typically, the Board of Selectman meets in the early evening so that those working have the opportunity to attend. The revised and marked up policy was made available at the meeting, but there was not a clear final version for view over the web as well as at the meeting itself.

Citizens should expect that their elected officials respectfully consider differences and then be transparent in their process toward a final decision. It is the elected official’s right to make decisions, but it is the right of citizens to be heard and fairly and equitably represented.

The two junior Selectboard members exhibited some of the most arrogant, condescending, and disrespectful behaviors towards citizens of our community as often they were clearly not listening as they shuffled papers and appeared generally disinterested in what people had to say. Several citizens asked for clarification on the policy and for a working session to vet the changes more fully before a vote.

In the end, after hearing from those attending, the newest Selectboard member moved to approve the policy. However, he offered an amendment that he struggled to articulate. Before that could be clarified, the motion was seconded. When the Chair asked him to repeat the motion so that it was clear, the response was “I already said it.” The whole session seemed to be a foregone conclusion to approve no matter what the people had to say. The Chair did state that a delay and a working session seemed appropriate, but he got no traction. Troubling as well was how the Chair was disrespected by the two other Selectman and ignored his sentiments that they were not truly prepared to vote on the policy, and it had not been presented properly to the public.

Whether someone agrees or disagrees with the policy is not the issue here. There will always be different views on any matter with the ability to respectfully listen and debate the merits of any action. Citizens should expect that their elected officials respectfully consider differences and then be transparent in their process toward a final decision. It is the elected official’s right to make decisions, but it is the right of citizens to be heard and fairly and equitably represented. We as town residents deserve that from our elected officials.