Reorganization motion fails after board member alleges attempts to silence him

A motion to reorganize the Charlton Select Board failed during the Feb. 10 meeting after a contentious exchange in which Select Board member David Singer accused the chair of repeatedly attempting to silence him.

Singer told colleagues the request for reorganization was prompted by what he described as multiple instances when the chair "tried to shout me down" and twice threatened to have him removed from meetings. He framed the motion as a procedural remedy to ensure the chair allows every duly elected member to speak without partiality: "As the chair of a board it is incumbent upon that person to ensure that every member of this board has equal and fair, honest opportunity to speak," Singer said.

Several board members spoke briefly; some emphasized moving past partisan grievances and seeking professional conduct, while others indicated no additional comments. Singer moved to reorganize the board and the motion was seconded, but when the vote was called the motion did not pass.

Why it matters: The exchange highlights continuing interpersonal tension on the Select Board and a complaint from an elected member that the chair has tried to curtail his remarks. Singer framed the motion as protecting members' rights to speak on behalf of their constituents.

What next: The motion failed at the Feb. 10 meeting; the board did not make any further governance changes at that time.

Quotes from the meeting:
"On 2 occasions, the chair tried to shout me down... Twice, the chair threatened to have me removed from a meeting," David Singer said.

"I am not perfect by any means, but I always strive to do what I believe is in the best interest of this town," the Chair responded while urging civility and cooperation.

Provenance: topicintro: SEG 356; topfinish: SEG 466