Londonderry Times
By Chris Paul
Frustration over ongoing disputes within the Town Council boiled over during the public comment portion of the council’s meeting last week, as several residents urged councilors to put aside personal differences, improve transparency and focus on governing the town.
A number of folks addressed the council, each expressing concern over the public perception of the board, ongoing legal matters and what they described as a lack of cooperation among the council.
Harry Schwartz, who said he has lived in Londonderry for about two years, told councilors he was drawn to the community because of its people and quality of life, but has become increasingly disappointed by the conduct of the town’s elected officials.
“I stayed here because of the people,” Schwartz said. “What I’ve noticed since I’ve gotten involved in the town is this Town Council has nothing in common with one another. You’re constantly arguing, constantly fighting. It’s in the paper. There’s underhanded stuff going on. It’s making everybody wonder what is happening in this town.”
Schwartz said the council’s disputes are damaging the town’s reputation well beyond Londonderry’s borders.
“I have friends from other states calling me asking what is going on in your town,” he said. “We expect you to lead by example. If you don’t agree, then don’t agree, but this legal battle is going to cost us thousands, maybe tens of thousands of dollars. We don’t want that. We want you to act civilly as leaders.”
Resident John Kelly echoed those concerns, noting that he had addressed the council a year earlier with a similar plea.
“We are a year later,” Kelly said. “The only thing you seem to agree on is when something absolutely has to be fixed, like the fire station or the library.”
Kelly said the disagreements over other matters have created a negative perception throughout the community.
“The perception you’ve created in this town is sad,” he said. “You’ve got to change it up. You’ve got to get along.”
Robin Stewart focused her comments on what she believes is a lack of transparency surrounding recent council actions and legal matters.
Stewart said she originally requested the council review its legal policy because residents had no clear explanation of what was occurring behind closed doors.
“I can’t trust anymore as a citizen because I don’t know what the heck you guys are doing,” Stewart said. “Why have all this secrecy? Why is there not even a hint of transparency here? I don’t understand why you all don’t see why all of us are so incredibly frustrated.”
Councilor Shaun Faber responded by acknowledging residents’ concerns but said there are legal limitations on what can be discussed publicly.
“I understand the frustration and the need to want to know what’s behind this,” Faber said. “We did make a statement at the last meeting. Unfortunately, that’s all that can be said at this time.”
Stewart replied that while she understood certain personnel or legal matters must remain confidential, residents deserved more information whenever possible.
“What we want is some decency and honesty and fairness,” she said.
Resident Glenn Douglas questioned the council about several unresolved issues, including complaints filed against Council Chair Ted Combes and Councilor Shaun Faber, as well as the status of Right-to-Know (RSA 91-A) requests he has submitted.
Douglas said one of his requests, seeking complaints filed against Town Manager Shaun Mulholland, has remained unresolved for more than a month while legal counsel reviews the matter.
He also criticized what he described as inconsistent handling of complaints involving elected officials and accused the council of damaging the reputations of individuals under investigation without providing complete information to the public.
“You put people’s reputations on the line,” Douglas said. “You’re trying to destroy people.”
Following Douglas’ remarks, Councilor Dan Bouchard briefly responded.
“Mr. Douglas, I agree with you 100 percent on that last comment,” Bouchard said.
The comments came amid continued public scrutiny of disagreements within the Town Council, ongoing legal issues and questions surrounding Right-to-Know requests and council procedures. Throughout the nearly 20-minute public comment period, residents repeatedly urged councilors to move beyond personal conflicts and restore confidence in the town’s leadership through greater cooperation and openness.
Members of the Council had very little to say in response of the public comments.