I've been away and am just now reading the back issues of the Reformer and Rutland Herald. I am concerned about the stories regarding Joerg Mayer's resignation from the selectboard. According to the papers, Mr. Mayer surprised the town by announcing his resignation from the board citing health concerns. He then went on to recommend that Audrey Garfield be appointed to fill his seat.
I am concerned with Mr. Mayer's actions because it appears that he made a conscious effort to surprise - and prehaps even deceive - the town's citizens. I am an avid follower of the selectboard and other town boards and if memory serves me right, it is Mr. Mayer, former selectboard member Pat Deangelo, and new board member Spoon Agave who believe in an open government. I have nothing against Ms. Garfield, but I believe that the vacancy on the selectboard is an issue for ALL of the town's voters, not just a select few.
Mr. Mayer himself stated he knew weeks ago that he was going to resign from the board. It seems to me that Mr. Mayer owed it to the citizens of our town - the very citizens who elected him - to resign before Election Day so his replacement could be fairly elected by all of Brattleboro's voters.
From the news articles it also appears that the people who attended the selectboard meeting that evening were given a heads up by Mr. Mayer of his intentions to resign. By telling a select few and packing the audience, Mr. Mayer has potentially divided the town in a way that is both unnecessary and unfortunate.
I believe that those who talk about open government should practice what they preach. The people of Brattleboro deserve that much.