GilfordGrok

As to the statement that Goodhue made about Juris obstructing the conservation easement of Saltmarsh Pond, I believe it to be true. Goodhue probably had more inside information than I did, but I can tell you that Juris and Sandy McGonagle, Land Task Force Chairman and town employee, definitely attributed to the months of delay. Many people don’t know that, although this project was voted in favor of in March by taxpayers, the town didn’t seal the deal until mid December. This not only cost the town of Gilford, but also the Beans, thousands of unnecessary dollars in legal fees. If they didn’t favor the project personally, and voted against it, that’s their right. To let that, or personal differences with the Beans, effectively delay them in executing the will of the taxpayers is also "conduct unbecoming a town employee."

Juris mentions the two selectmen stating the Administrative staff being hard to contact but that they couldn’t give details. I can tell you of several times, especially Friday afternoons, trying to reach Juris about the continued delay of the Saltmarsh project without success.

On the subject of Administrative staff, I can also tell you that I was quite surprised at the fact that Mcgonagle could have several meetings regarding this project during school hours, in the school office. Also having the custodian serving snacks and beverages to attendees. I believe this would be better known as "theft of time" in the real world. Many other town employees witnessed these meeting, but I’m sure none of them want to be "whistle blowers." Should people who volunteer their "free" time be incorporating that into their time "on the clock" for an employer, in this case the Town of Gilford? Sorry, this is a whole other issue that should be addressed by the SAU Administrator. In the last of the three years of dealing with the town on the Saltmarsh Conservation Easement I expressed concern about this, and the many delays of the process, to the Town Administrator and Selectmen. This project originally was supposed to be voted on in March of 2006.

I would not have brought any of this to light if it weren’t for the fact that John Goodhue was unjustly criticized for what he said. Although the wording of his statement may have been politically or ethically incorrect, it was an absolutely true statement. This didn’t warrant him being "railroaded" out of the election. I had spoke with Goodhue many times as to the constant stalling on the Saltmarsh project.

I would like to take this time to, again, thank the many people who voted in favor of preserving this pristine property. The Bean family has enjoyed its beauty since the early 1860s. In the decades to come many people will praise the foresight that the majority of us had in preserving this irreplaceable landscape.

                                                                                  Ronny Bean Gilford