SWAMPSCOTT — On Thursday, Select Board Chair MaryEllen Fletcher responded to criticism she faced during the public comment segment of a Select Board meeting the prior evening.
In response to criticism regarding lack of transparency between the Select Board and the town, Fletcher stated she takes both transparency and adherence to the Open Meeting Law as major and serious elements of her responsibilities.
One area of concern residents raised was the role of executive sessions in town meetings and their impact on decisions that could impact the community.
“[Executive sessions] are a legal necessity for discussing sensitive matters in instances where public discourse could disadvantage the town,” Fletcher clarified.
As an example, Fletcher said that when negotiating the purchase of a property, disclosing information publicly could invite competing bids that harm their position. Another point Fletcher brought up was that lease agreements and legal negotiations require privacy in order to protect the town’s interests.
She also clarified that during public comment, Committee members are not allowed to respond.
Each of the 18 executive sessions referenced in the previous article all began as open meetings, but only one of those meetings had a public attendee, Fletcher said.
Fletcher said she attempted to reach out to one of the residents who voiced concerns in order to facilitate a more effective dialogue, but was turned away.
“I pride myself on always being open and accessible,” Fletcher said. “Constructive dialogue is always welcomed and appreciated.”
“While I understand that public service invites scrutiny, I believe this situation has been escalated without proper context or conversation,” she added.
Despite the criticism, Fletcher said she wants to focus on the “bigger picture” and prioritize the needs of the community, including the well-being of veterans and housing in the town.
“As Chair, I remain committed to serving Swampscott with integrity, balancing the need for transparency with the legal requirements for confidentiality in certain matters,” Fletcher said.
