LETTER TO THE EDITOR: It's Time to Take Back Sudbury

Recently Sudbury has witnessed:

• An unprecedented 5-year sweetheart contract for the Town Manager approved in a midnight lame duck session of the selectmen, just before outsider Haarde was elected.
• Campaign email blast from a school committee member on the eve of last election, using the school’s email list of parents in violation of policy, urging reelection of O’Brien and defaming his opponent.
• 2012 Town Meeting Warrant 4, the budget, amended at the meeting, thus preventing preview by residents. Increases totaled $2 million. Town insiders had this information in advance, but taxpayers did not.
• Selectmen Drobinski and O’Brien, breaking with their own tradition denied Selectman Haarde his turn in the rotation as Chair of the BOS.
• A large celebration party of  town insiders after Town Meeting, after closing hours in violation of the Lavender Restaurant’s license, included Selectmen O’Brien and Drobinski who control Sudbury liquor licenses.

Informed residents view the political culture of Sudbury as unethical and unhealthy. Comments in the Sudbury Patch and the Sudbury Town Crier reflect frustration but not surprise. We relative newcomers (nine years) are both surprised and appalled. Actions at BOS, ZBA, and the last Town meetings hint of key decisions made with little regard for relevant facts, and tight control of information.

Sudbury must wake up. Power and influence are reclaimed by action, not by words. Let’s insist on a government that is truly for the people of this lovely town. Our approach must include parents, seniors, business owners, and elected officials outside the “in group.”

Let’s consider:

1. Demanding justification from Selectmen Drobinski and O’Brien for their recent questionalble actions.
2. Asking explanation of the for the apparently “softball” handling of the post-Town Meeting events: , , and their overwhelming response to the report of a person missing for only two hours.
3. Asking the owner of the Lavender to explain the private party for the selectmen and how it relates to his liquor license.
4. Picket Town Hall with signs/questions to be answered.
5. Citizens meeting at Town Hall to discuss questions and actions.
6. Fostering an environment where local businesses feel comfortable disclosing “considerations” (see Lavender) to local politicians and town employees.

Citizens, please voice your concerns and take action.

Rita and Sid Bourne

20 Northwood Drive