Selectmen Step Back in Moving Forward with New Board

It was supposed to be a “clean slate” for Sudbury’s Board of Selectmen and town residents.

But instead, the new five-member Board looked to its past for leadership during its July 9 meeting when it reorganized.

New member Leonard Simon nominated John Drobinski, the Board’s most senior member, as its chairman, bypassing Bob Haarde for a second year. He also made a motion for Chuck Woodard, the other new member, to be its vice chair.

Woodard seconded the motion. There were no objections.

When asked why he nominated Drobinski and Woodard, Simon said he would not divulge his reasons.

"Those are my personal reasons and I don’t think this is an appropriate area to make a comment on," he said. "I have my reasons, I don’t want them to be made public. It's not appropriate for me to get into it."

Simon also said he doesn't believe the Board is making steps backward by reinstating Drobinski as chairman.

"I don’t view it as going back at all," he said. "If there are people who wish to look back, they can do that. I don’t view it as going back. As far as my reasons, they are mine and are not for public comment. If someone asked me I would tell them they are my personal reasons."

Last year after Annual Town Meeting, Drobinski nominated Larry O’Brien for a second year after telling Haarde the chairmanship rotates, Haarde said last year.

“This is a clean slate opportunity, which I certainly praise,” Haarde said before Drobinski was nominated. “Regardless of who the new chairman is … this is a chance for us to move forward together as a board. I’m certainly willing to serve as the chairman. I have the willingness and desire.”

O’Brien said after serving as chairman for two years he was ready to relinquish his role.

This past year turned tumultuous for O’Brien after he and other elected officials and town employees celebrated the end of the May 2012 Town Meeting at Lavender Asian Cuisine and Bar and stayed after the allowed liquor license hours, which is governed by the Selectmen. Lavender was eventually issued a liquor license violation.

That night also included a car crash by Community Housing Coordinator Elizabeth Rust, who admitted to having two drinks that night at the Asian restaurant.

She was cited for a third OUI, and was convicted of that charge and others last month.

O'Brien recused himself of discussion regarding Lavender on the advice of town counsel, which angered residents demanding answers. Haarde and Drobinski disagreed on how or if discussions should proceed.

Simon thanked O’Brien for his past two years of service, and Haarde for his “clean slate” statement before making his nominations.

“This is truly a new beginning with five members,” Simon said. “We have more voices for the community with different levels of perspectives and different levels of experience and backgrounds.

"I think we’ll have a functional and cooperative board."