To the editor:

The recent Town Council meeting reinforced to me that there is a Barrington Power Structure in place that feels overwhelming and intimidating. I received a stern admonishment from Michael Carroll of “don’t interrupt”. I think someone felt the need to tell me I’m not the Chairman. Apparently asking for each member’s reasoning for voting for or against Town Manager Philip Hervey’s Executive Order 2022-6 Renewal of Declaration of Emergency triggered a defensiveness and hostility the Council, particularly Carroll and Karl Kustell were not inclined to temper with a more respectful attitude. Likely they would say, I was disrespectful. This is how frustrated residents who are subject to their authoritarian rule are framed.

Surveying each member of the council produced unanimous agreement in their intent to vote in favor of the Renewal and was based on two main reasons. One theme was in alignment with wording in the Ordinance which states, “…circumstances remain concerning both locally, statewide, and nationwide. Therefore, the Town Council deems it prudent to declare that a state of emergency continues to exist in Town…”. The other reason is the availability of REMA and FEMA funding, as cited by Carroll and emphasized by Ms. Conway, who said of “masking” and “rates”, “that’s not what this is about”. She expressed that the “key piece” is "fiscal support” for the town, which is a factor not stated in the Ordinance. Ms. Conway said, “I don’t think the Declaration of Emergency inhibits anybody’s ability to do anything.” Considering this 50 percent of the reasoning for the Council’s vote is not written in the Ordinance, my question to the them was whether it should be redrafted before putting it up for a vote. 

I further requested medical data that the Council is using and was told by Mr. Carroll he’s using CDC transmission rates. Mr. Kustell cited, “a fast moving lethal virus that has killed a million people” among other statements aligned with the current writing of the Ordinance and he stated he did not see a need to prolong a debate with me, as a “non-medical professional” who “does not understand the data”. I’m not sure how he knows whether or not I understand The Data, but his level of agitation indicated he was not interested. Mr. Brier feels the powers granted to the Town Manager are limited, which is debatable given the Ordinance states, “The Town Council hereby delegates all of its authority, with the exception of financial and legislative, to the Town Manager to take any and all actions deemed necessary to address the ongoing emergency.” The broad delegation of powers conflicts with asserting legislative power is reserved. Mr. Humm echoed other sentiments of the Council.

Please attend the Town Legislative Forum on Monday, March 21, 8am. If it’s the same attendees as the one last fall, it will include Town Council, Town Manager, School Committee, School Administration, and our three State Legislators. Come witness the power structure first hand. The agenda does not include participation from the public.

Ellen Schaffer

Barrington