Londonderry Times
By Chris Paul<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frustration over ongoing disputes within the Town Council boiled over during the public comment portion of the council\u2019s meeting last week, as several residents urged councilors to put aside personal differences, improve transparency and focus on governing the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s elected officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI stayed here because of the people,\u201d Schwartz said. \u201cWhat I\u2019ve noticed since I\u2019ve gotten involved in the town is this Town Council has nothing in common with one another. You\u2019re constantly arguing, constantly fighting. It\u2019s in the paper. There\u2019s underhanded stuff going on. It\u2019s making everybody wonder what is happening in this town.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schwartz said the council\u2019s disputes are damaging the town\u2019s reputation well beyond Londonderry\u2019s borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have friends from other states calling me asking what is going on in your town,\u201d he said. \u201cWe expect you to lead by example. If you don\u2019t agree, then don\u2019t agree, but this legal battle is going to cost us thousands, maybe tens of thousands of dollars. We don\u2019t want that. We want you to act civilly as leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Resident John Kelly echoed those concerns, noting that he had addressed the council a year earlier with a similar plea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are a year later,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cThe only thing you seem to agree on is when something absolutely has to be fixed, like the fire station or the library.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kelly said the disagreements over other matters have created a negative perception throughout the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe perception you\u2019ve created in this town is sad,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to change it up. You\u2019ve got to get along.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robin Stewart focused her comments on what she believes is a lack of transparency surrounding recent council actions and legal matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stewart said she originally requested the council review its legal policy because residents had no clear explanation of what was occurring behind closed doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can\u2019t trust anymore as a citizen because I don\u2019t know what the heck you guys are doing,\u201d Stewart said. \u201cWhy have all this secrecy? Why is there not even a hint of transparency here? I don\u2019t understand why you all don\u2019t see why all of us are so incredibly frustrated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Councilor Shaun Faber responded by acknowledging residents\u2019 concerns but said there are legal limitations on what can be discussed publicly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI understand the frustration and the need to want to know what\u2019s behind this,\u201d Faber said. \u201cWe did make a statement at the last meeting. Unfortunately, that\u2019s all that can be said at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stewart replied that while she understood certain personnel or legal matters must remain confidential, residents deserved more information whenever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we want is some decency and honesty and fairness,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou put people\u2019s reputations on the line,\u201d Douglas said. \u201cYou\u2019re trying to destroy people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following Douglas\u2019 remarks, Councilor Dan Bouchard briefly responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMr. Douglas, I agree with you 100 percent on that last comment,\u201d Bouchard said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s leadership through greater cooperation and openness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Members of the Council had very little to say in response of the public comments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n