Letter: Confrontational candidate bad fit for Tiverton Library board

Posted 2/12/19

To the editor:

I viewed on YouTube the 1/28/19 Town Council meeting interview process for the library board positions. I am in support of Ms. Sutherland and Ms. Cody for these appointments as they …

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Letter: Confrontational candidate bad fit for Tiverton Library board

Posted

To the editor:

I viewed on YouTube the 1/28/19 Town Council meeting interview process for the library board positions. I am in support of Ms. Sutherland and Ms. Cody for these appointments as they will be assets to the library and in turn the town and its citizens.

Ms. Cody and Ms. Sutherland have relevant experience for the position. Richard Rom could not indicate how his background would be helpful.

Ms. Cody and Ms. Sutherland each reported a love of the library and being frequent visitors of the library. Mr. Rom indicated “I have not spent much time in the library.” If that is the case how can he fully understand and appreciate the needs and assets of the library?

Mr. Rom seemed to primarily focus on starting a math program at the library. It would seem that Mr. Rom’s talents would be better utilized by being directly involved in implementing this program in the library and/or some other location in town. He does not need to be on the library board to advocate for or initiate this program.

Interesting to note, several of the Town Council members ran for their positions with the goals of prioritizing cutting taxes and decreasing spending. Both Ms. Sutherland and Ms. Coty have grant writing experience which could both benefit the library and possibly save the town money. Mr. Rom indicated he would need to request money from the town to start his math program. I certainly am not against the library receiving money from the town for enrichment programs. However, I would be surprised if those Town Council members that prioritize cutting taxes would not take financial savings into consideration.

Ms. Sutherland and Ms. Coty seemed invested in the success of the Tiverton Library. Mr. Rom seemed invested in being contrary as he indicated that if he is on the board, “It’s not going to be easy for them to get stuff through.” This seems like a very defeatist and defensive attitude for a board member! This would seem to obstruct and slow progress rather than help the library.

Mr. Rom indicated “I like confrontation” and something like “confrontation gets things moving.” I disagree. In my experience, confrontation usually causes stress and stalemates. There are other more effective ways to get things done like assertiveness, respect, listening and compromising which I did not hear him advocate for as highly as confrontation.

After interviewing all three candidates, the library board recommended Ms. Cody and Ms. Sutherland and they had concerns about Mr. Rom. Their recommendations and concerns should be taken into serious consideration.

I appreciate that all three candidates are willing to volunteer their time to be on the board. However, given the points indicated above, I think the obvious choice for the board positions would be Ms. Cody and Ms. Sutherland. I think Mr. Rom could use his talents to better serve the town in another capacity.

Maureen Umehara

Tiverton

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