In response to Mr Richard Curtis

In response to Mr. Richard Cutis' many questions or concerns, first let me state that I have no control over how many Templeton residents decide to show up for any public open meeting. I will not speak for Julie Farrell but I really do not have that much power nor do I want that power. Secondly, I did not realize that I gave up my rights as a citizen by being elected to the board of selectmen. I also feel that if I consider an employee or town resident has been treated unfairly,
I have a right and a duty, as a citizen and an elected official, to speak to that issue and to demonstrate if I so desire. I believe most town residents would agree with me on that issue but I could be wrong. I figure if a US Representative, John Olver can get arrested at a protest, lil ole Jeff Bennett can show his support for a town employee. As far as bringing discredit to the board of selectmen, my opinion is you should attend the meetings, watch the chair and then make that call concerning bringing discredit to the select board. I can only offer up my opinion on why Mr. Ritter was paid 14 thousand dollars to resign for personal reasons. Mr. Ritter had an employment contract with the town of Templeton and I will be glad to furnish you with a copy if you wish. Contained in that contract was a buy out clause to the amount of $32,000.00 (6 months salary). At the time of Mr. Ritters "resignation", there was not enough money in the salary account to cover that amount. In my opinion, Mr. Ritter received 14 thousand in compensation to resign and go quietly on his way, because if he did not he would be terminated and because of his contract, there was the possibility of litigation. What I can say for sure is the selectmen held a executive session meeting and the result of that meeting was Mr. Ritter was given 14 thousand dollars as severance payment and the town will not oppose any claim for unemployment filed by Mr. Ritter. The employment settlement and claims agreement also states within that the town and Mr. Ritter agree that they shall announce that Mr. Ritter has voluntarily resigned his position as Town Coordinator. I will also furnish you with a copy of that settlement and claim release if you so wish. I did not agree with it, I did not vote for it and I did not sign it so I will not be held to anything I did not sign! So my question goes back to you, residents of Templeton and any business owner or business minded person, is it usual policy to pay someone off or give substantial monies to you to simply resign for personal reasons? What about the Templeton by-law concerning no settlement or claim in excess of one thousand dollars shall be processed without town meeting approval, (page 6 article VII - legal affairs, section 2 found in the by-law book of Templeton, 2010) If asking the chair of the board of selectmen and the board of selectmen as a whole to abide by state law, town by-law and open meeting laws is a personal agenda or vendetta, it is my opinion that Mr. Curtis should resign from his new position of state ethics liaison because he may not have a grasp of what ethics and ethical behavior is about. I would want the select board to move forward, but many moves since the recall have been in total reverse. I want the select board to move forward and not be a "bully pulpit" but a place and a meeting where town residents can come and see their affairs done in a competent manner and their questions and concerns answered, pretty simple in my little mind. I hope this has answered your questions and concerns, if not, feel free to call me at 978-360-4634 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 978-360-4634 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or come to a selectmen meeting and ask your questions there. Thank you

respectfully;
Jeffrey Bennett