I have attended many Sunapee school board and selectmen’s meetings in the past 30 years, and, except for the taxes, things have been going downhill for some time now.
At the June 1 school board meeting, John Brandolini, member of the Sunapee budget advisory committee, apparently unhappy with the unlawful dismissal of the committee members, tried to speak on the issue during the public forum portion of the meeting. When he approached the microphone, he was told he had three minutes. He started by congratulating Shaun Carroll, school board chairman, on getting the BAC fired. He was immediately shut down by an agitated Carroll, who singlehandedly called the meeting to recess.
Carroll separated meeting tables to gain access to Brandolini, telling him that if he didn’t stop speaking, he (Carroll) would call the authorities. It’s time for a new school board chairman who recognizes freedom of speech and our constitutional rights, who welcomes residents who come to meetings by encouraging them to ask questions, not a chairman who instills fear of retaliation.
In a democracy, healthy banter is good, and other people’s rights and opinions matter, and can be helpful. Maybe after almost 20 years on the board, it is time for a fresh perspective and some new ideas. Maybe it’s time for Mr. Carroll to resign.
Dan Banks
Sunapee