To the editor:
Recently a concerned Ludlow resident contacted me very upset about some papers they were given that did not identify the individual or individuals who put it together. The resident felt that one set of papers in particular was meant to be misleading trying to imply that something wrong was being done by the Town Manager in regards to checks not being shown in the annual report. It should be noted that the checks listed in the annual report were listed as “Transaction list for vendors” and not checks for all town accounts. Upon review of the information by due diligence, I verified that there was in fact no problem and the public records correctly show the questioned checks were listed right where they should be in the town warrants and applied to the proper accounts. These checks were written by both the previous and present town treasurers.
Additionally, there was a question as to the dates of deposit for town funds being done when the office was not open for business, and that there were a number of occasions two deposits were made on the same day. Closing to do banking during scheduled office business hours would cause a hardship and hinder residents’ access to the town office. Most deposits are now made so residents are not inconvenienced.
As for two deposits being done on the same day, it is actually done at the same time but listed as separate categories, one being cash and the other being checks.
The individual or individuals who are passing this information around need to check the records at the town office first. It required all of approximately ten minutes for me to verify the correct facts.
Another item given to me was a letter that was presented as part of an executive session meeting. As a selectman now, my knowledge of that session is legal. The letter is being passed around to the public as if it was a record of fact. Whoever provided it did so illegally and shows a disdain for the law. What happens in executive session must remain there by state statute unless something is acted upon in public session, and this letter was never acted upon as is required to become public record.
Ludlow records are all open to residents with certain exceptions as noted by state statute, and anyone can request to view them through the Town Manager. Failure to properly verify, and then to distribute misleading or false information is a totally irresponsible act and does a real disservice to all residents. This also calls into question what the motive of this individual or individuals may be. These situations of incorrect or misleading information will be responded to in the public forum to ensure that Ludlow residents have the actual facts that are part of the public record and not unfounded innuendo. The Town Manager is willing to answer any questions you have and to show you the supporting documents. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. We can all work together as a team and continue the ongoing process being made in Ludlow for the benefit of all residents.
Our Town Manager is doing the job correctly, honestly and I stand firmly behind her on these issues and thank her for the job she is doing for all the residents of Ludlow.
David L. Stevens
Ludlow Select Board
chairman
