Town Moderator Owes Bryan Semple, Town an Apology
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Sudbury Town Moderator Myron J. Fox was very clear in his explanation to attendees prior to the start of the Special Town meeting, people were to be respectful of others and stick to the warrants when it came their turn to speak. So why is Mr. Fox allowed to be very disrespectful of a Sudbury resident when he wanted to express his opinion?
When Bryan Semple was chosen to speak from the balcony, Mr. Fox quipped, and I paraphrase, "If I knew it was you, Bryan, I wouldn't have called on you."
This comment by the Moderator of the Town Meeting, the man in charge, the chooser of commenters and the ender of comment period was very disrespecful. It was also met by a response of "That's not right," by Mr. Semple. I and another town resident simultaneously called for a point of order and both called out Mr. Fox on his disrespect. We were further pooh-poohed by Mr. Fox when he explained his action away as a "joke" and stated that he knew Bryan.
For the over 1,000 residents who took valuable time away from their families and other things they could be doing on Monday night, I doubt we knew Mr Fox's relationship with Mr. Semple, I doubt most people took it as a joke, and I think Mr. Fox should hold himself to a higher standard than what he expects from residents who may or may not have been attending their first Town Meeting and may or may not be aware of the proper Robert's Rules of Order
Abigail MacNeill
8:00 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
I completely agree! Last night I thought Mr. Fox was disrespectful and short-tempered. As the moderator, Mr. Fox should be setting an example of how he would like the audience to behave.
JJoseph
8:07 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
I agree as well. If it was intended as a joke it was in very poor taste. Thank you Mr. Fortunato for writing this letter and thank you also for moving the meeting along by you indicating that people came to vote on issues and lets not continue to listen to the same old gripes over and over again.
Mr. Semple, thank you for participating in our town government discussion.
Mr. Moderator, please apologize to Mr. Semple and the town meeting membership.
Jeff W
3:57 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
" I doubt most people took it as a joke". How can you know that? Everyone I knew got a chuckle from it. Lighten up! Life is too short!. 8-}
Kirsten Vandijk
6:56 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
From where I was seated my neighbors were also chuckling as did I. While I interpreted it as a genuine friendly gesture meant to soften the conversation I also felt it inappropriate given the rancor evident from the Hall. It was destined to fall flat unfortunately. Let the Moderator address the situation without the pressure to do so on this online chat room.
Edward Stark
4:07 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Aren't we still waiting for Myron Fox to apologize to Dan Depompei for scolding him at the last town meeting for no reason? Myron's term as moderator has run it's course. Did anyone see him lean over to a sleeping Paul Kenny last night and try to get him to respond in a certain way during the Article 3 discussion? I'd vote for Fortunato as moderator when Myron's term is up.
Bryan S
8:02 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
I wasn't in a joking mood when Myron made his comment. It had just been mentioned by a resident that the Fairbanks roof was unsafe for children to be in the building. I wanted an answer whether this was accurate or not. So Myron's attempt at humor fell flat with me. Others found it humorous which is great. Moderating last nights meeting was a tough job. I got my answer on the roof (it is safe) and the meeting moved on.No harm done.
SueChap
9:16 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
U DA Man, Bryan. Great Spirit!
JJoseph
10:51 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Myron showed his true colors once again!!!! LAVENDER!
Bryan, you are levels above the Sudbury fray. Keep it up. We deserve better.
Pete
11:08 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
I thought it was a good joke. I voted for the move to 5 last night and found Fox to be pretty "on game". Let's not be so thin skinned. He was joking. I laughed. It was in jest.
pmotw
11:18 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Mr. Myron Fox, who is an attorney, had some challenges last night and in my opinion, we need someone who doesn’t need an auditorium full of people to tell him what is going on. His behavior over the many years to taxpaying residents is inexcusable. Mr. Fox is quick to silence others while he is free to make jokes at others expense. These are serious matters and his behavior is intolerable.