Candidates clash over selectmen's role in Westport

Candidates clash over selectmen's role in Westport

By Peggy Aulisio – Asst Editor

Courtesy of Westport Shorelines

April 3, 2008

Photos by everythingwestport.com

View the photo album now 35 photos | Dial-up speed | Broadband/DSL speed |

After a year marked by controversy -- not unusual for the Board of Selectmen-- incumbents and challengers made their pitches for two open seats at candidates' night on March 26. Incumbent Steve Ouellette and challenger Brian Valcourt were often in dis-agreement with Veronica Beaulieu, the select board chairwoman who is seeking re-election. Lino Rego tried to stake his own ground as someone who will work well with both sides.

Along with the selectmen's race, two candidates are vying for one seat on the School Committee, making that a more visible race this year. Over the past few years, school committee candidates have often run unopposed.

Three candidates are running for highway surveyor, with two challengers criticizing Harold "Jack" Sisson over repair and maintenance of highway department equipment.

The first audience question for selectmen candidates dealt with some of the dynamics of the board this past year when several members of the progressive party were removed from town boards.

The questioner asked, "What do you plan to do to improve communication among divergent groups and bring people together to respect each other even if they disagree?"

"I propose to continue the way I have, treating people with respect and hoping they will treat us with respect," Ms. Beaulieu said. "We respond to the electorate and not those appointed."

Ms. Beaulieu said the volunteers removed from committees represented special interest groups and not the whole community.

"When certain people come to meetings, that's when the meetings get disrupted. Some are looking for TV coverage," Ms. Beaulieu said, referring to a cable access television station that covers government meetings.

Incumbent Selectman Steve Ouellette said the way people have been removed from town committees is creating a climate where volunteers do not want to serve. "I think we lost some respect there," he said.

Mr. Ouellette also criticized the way issues are brought up at the selectmen's meetings Ms. Beaulieu chairs, sometimes when they are not on the agenda. "I think it goes back to more open government," he said.

Brian Valcourt, who was removed from the Housing Partnership Committee last summer, said, "In order to improve communication, you have to have communication to begin with." He said that was not happening and that the selectmen were trying to "consolidate power."

Mr. Valcourt criticized selectmen for "appointing themselves to more and more boards," which he said results in "a lack of diversity and ideas. We should be brining in new people and new talent."

Lino Rego said, "I don't believe decisions should be made behind closed doors."

Many of the audience questions for selectmen involved decisions about the proposed Town Hall wind turbine. They were also asked about 40B developments, which give developers more leeway to avoid local zoning rules.

In her opening statement, Ms. Beaulieu said someone who works full-time does not have enough time to devote to being a selectman. She said she could not do an effective job if she wasn't retired.

Mr. Rego, who works part-time, said he has sufficient time to devote. Mr. Ouellette and Mr. Valcourt, who both work full time, challenged that assertion.

In his opening statement, Mr. Valcourt said one of main reasons he is running is because he believes some selectman are spending too much time at Town Hall.

"Some say selectmen need time to run the town's business," Mr. Valcourt said. "Let the town administrator and employees run the town's every day business. That is not the job of selectmen."

- - - - - - End - - - - - -