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Question Their Intention

I was both saddened and disappointed by the comments by Town Attorney Joseph Zullo and Finance Director Paul Rizza in the recent article regarding the health insurance overcharge [“Town Responds to Allegations it May Have Overcharged BOE for Health Insurance,” July 26]. The mere fact that either would question if the letter written to the town pertaining to the issue of overcharging the Board of Education (BOE) for health insurance was done solely by myself is amusing; their question of my math skills is equally so.

I believe both know very well that the letter was written on behalf of the BOE by legal counsel, using calculations obtained by the administration and finance office. This is common practice in public office—can you imagine that the mayor writes his own formal correspondence independently? I doubt any official does so, and I’m not embarrassed to disclose that.

I question their intention of making public inquires on something they already had answers to, which is evident in that their initial response was directed to only the BOE finance office and legal counsel. The entire situation is unfortunate and it seems as though, through those negative comments, the town intended to shift attention away from the issue at hand. Some may say that they chose those particular accusations of wrongdoing and argued shortcomings of myself and the board to deflect from their own accountability.

I’ve said before, I’ll take the hits, if it allows me to continue to take part in changing the direction of this district to serve the best interests of our students. However, I apologize to the town of East Haven residents for yet another drawn-out public embarrassment. It has been said, “When they go low, go high,” but with all candor, it’s a heck of a bumpy climb.

Michele Delucia, Chair

East Haven Board of Education