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Checks and Balances

May 31, 2017: the day that democracy almost died in North Haven. I want to comment on the false claims made by both the current and former town attorney during the May 31 North Haven Board of Selectmen meeting. Attorneys Jeffrey Donofrio and Bernard Pellegrino stated that because of the June 17, 2014 referendum vote, North Haven residents cannot and should not challenge the athletic field decisions made by the Middle School Building Committee (MSBC).

We live in a democracy—North Haven, not North Korea. Taxpayers can express their opposition to the plans of any elected, appointed, or town-employed official, particularly if it can be argued that the plans aren’t in the community’s best interests. If the opposition gains sufficient support and alternatives are proposed, then changes can be demanded from our representatives. This process represents the cornerstone of our democracy, designed by our country’s founding fathers and reflected in the Town Charter.

The 2014 referendum needs to be considered in its context. For the record, the people of North Haven voted in the 2014 referendum for “the construction of athletic fields and facilities at the site.” The referendum ballot resolution didn’t include language about “artificial turf,” “infill,” or “crumb rubber.” The system of checks and balances ensures that North Haven voters have more power than any appointed committee.

Shame on those attorneys and politicians who misled the people and attempted to deny us our rights. Through their bullying efforts to force the turf fields with toxic, crumb-rubber fill on the children of North Haven, they’ve been complicit in a deceptive campaign that has served a specific agenda and a small constituency. Ultimately, the elected members of the boards of Education and Finance have the ethical and fiduciary responsibility for the bonded $69 million middle school building project.

Nancy E.V. Barrett

North Haven