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State Ethics Commission fines former selectman
Conflict of interest law violation assessed on O'Brien, Templeton's board chair as recently as May 2011 |
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Kerry O'Brien
News Staff Writer TEMPLETON — Former Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Dennis O’Brien recently paid a $1,000 fine from the State Ethics Commission after admitting to violating the conflict of interest law in regards to his involvement in the evaluation of 252 Baldwinville Road for use as a town building. “At the time I was in violation I didn’t realize it was a violation,” Mr. O’Brien said. “My interest was to get a building for the town. Everyone knew I lived across the street.” In a press release issued Wednesday, Communications Division Deputy Chief Marisa Donelan explains that according to the disposition agreement approved by the ethics commission, Mr. O’Brien is an abutter to 252 Baldwinville Road, and therefore had a financial interest in the town’s purchase of the building. “When a property is developed or altered it affects the value of nearby and abutting properties,” Executive Director Karen L. Nober stated according to a release. “For purposes of the conflict of interest law, a property owner is presumed to have a financial interest in matter affecting abutting and nearby property unless he can rebut the presumption by showing he does not have a financial interest.” Mr. O’Brien violated the conflict of interest law by participating in the drafting of a request for proposals for a town hall building both as a selectmen and as a member of the Municipal Building Committee. The building committee recommended the specifications the town should seek on the request for proposals stating that the building should be at least 12,000 square feet. “O’Brien participated as a selectman during drafting, approving and issuing the request for proposals, which specified that the town acquire a building with at least 12,000 square feet,” the release states. “Four responses to the request for proposals were received, but the only one that met the request for proposals specifications was the one that proposed the building across s the street from the O’Brien residence.” Although Mr. O’Brien stated who he said he knows filed the complaint against him, that party could not be reached for comment. “I just don’t see what benefit this person got from filing this complaint against me,” Mr. O’Brien said. “All it did was give me grief when all I was thinking about was doing something for the town.” Ms. Donelan stated that the ethics commission does not release the identity of parties who file complaints. Mr. O’Brien ran for the board of selectmen again in 2011 but was not elected to office. He has previously served on Personnel Board, Common Improvement Committee, Senior Oversight Committee and the Elementary School Building Committee currently does not serve on any boards or commissions in town. |
Paul working for you.
Friday, July 26, 2013
about time.....
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I am the person who filed the ethics complaint against Dennis O'Brien, and personally got nothing from filing the complaint. What was gained was information for the public on how ethics works and why it is extremely important for public officials to be open, legal and transparent. My opinion on this ruling is it further taints the whole process that was the municipal building committee and some former selectmen. The municipal building committee had as members three former or current chairman of the board of selectmen and one current or former chairman of the planning board. Surely one of these individuals could have, should have known the conflict of interest law or been wise enough to check. They all had to take an online ethics test and one of the examples given is something on the very issue Mr. O'Brien was found guilty of. When someone on the municipal building committee is a former member of the BOS, former chairman of the BOS former manager of Templeton Light and claims to be a financial expert who was chairman of the muni building committee, I believe the citizens have the expectation that things will be done legal and proper. I believe this ruling now justifies all the questions and concerns that were raised while 252 Baldwinville Road was being pushed as a money saving project for a town hall. This is another reason why citizens must trust but verify, attend meetings and ask questions. It also shows why the BOS needs to ensure the public has access to current information to base their decisions on.
ReplyDeleteWell, well, well, about time for sure!! Dennis called all of the voters in Templeton, stupid in a School Committee Meeting on camera ! Now I think that was stupid !! But even more stupid was what he did, and he has no excuse!! If he was on the Personnel Board, and a Selectman, he knows dam right well what the Conflict of Interest Laws say !! Blame the person who reported you?? What if it was more than one, more than two, more than three? Gee Dennis, most everyone expected you to do the right thing !! So blaming them will not help you. Go look in a mirror!! . Bev.
ReplyDeleteDown hear on the lower forty it sure looks like Mr. O'Brien is being used as one of the tools in the shed by his buddies. Mr. O'Brien could use some people who actually look out for him instead of a bunch who just want to take advantage of him.
ReplyDeleteWhere was the Town Coordinator and Legal Counsel during this process? If I were Mr. O'Brien, I would look to who was serving in those roles and get them to help pay the fine.
ReplyDeleteWill they be fined as well do you think?
ReplyDeleteI am hoping this will also come out in the wash. Bev.
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ReplyDeleteThe one thing that is common on all 4 investigations underway is the lawyer firm. They were involved in the writing of the ethics laws to begin with. The one part that would be the most interesting to me would be the way the light department used municipal light department funds and employees to take over the water department IE: chapter 93 acts of 2000- When i said that at town meeting Bubba former chairman of the BOS said nothing is going on with those investigations. It's easy for the echo hill gang to throw their own under the bus. Poor Dennis Mr."Stupid" himself.
ReplyDeleteIt appears that K&P and specifically Leonard Kopelman has immunity from being held responsible for any illegal activity in the State of Massachusetts. Take the time to learn about what happened concerning the loss of perhaps thirty million dollars concerning the WWTP contract and you will be truly appalled.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if the property has drawn any interest? It's a great location for a commercial business. McDonald's, Cumberland Farms etc.
ReplyDeleteCumberland Farms bought Pat's Farm Stand on 2A, a few months ago. I guess they will start building when their lease is over in E.T. I would like to see a McDonalds, or something like that, come in. There are not many good places to grab something quick or cheap in town. Patty, My sister sold a lot of grinders and soup, when she was in business. If they can have a McDonalds in Winchendon, why not here. It would mean jobs, and tax income. Bev.
DeleteI think Templeton (and Phillipston) are the only towns on Rt. 2 as far out as Erving that don't have some kind of big box store, chain restaurant, etc.
DeleteOrange's population is less than Templeton's and they have several big box and chain stores.
I know that those kind of stores may not be the most quaint or appealling for a small New England town, but we aren't in a position to be picky.
The town has to follow procurement laws to sell off 252 Bald rd. I believe it has to be posted in the central register for a certain number of days as well as advertised.
ReplyDeleteAny revenue generated from the sale should be earmarked to pay off the debt. There is no way the sale of the building will cover the costs, but it will help reduce our debt.
I agree - we should pay off the debt associated with that white elephant. Although it is questionable that the debt was incurred in a legit fashion, we are on the hook.
DeleteNow that Mr OBrien has been found guilty of an ethics violation, can we, as taxpayers sue him. maybe between selling the building and a 10 taxpayers lawsuit we could recoop most of the money.
ReplyDeleteNot a bad idea to me. I think that is about the only way we would ever get the money back from the place. Bev..
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