What we are running into now is, we are getting to the point where we are gonne end up with salaries at... if they [the salaries] are gonne be higher than the current level it makes it a very lucrative position for a popularity contest and not necessarily based on anybody’s particular knowledge of the job and that doesn’t make any sense, doesn’t make any sense at all.This statement made by Wettlaufer during the previous meeting (February 23, 2010) is based on the notion that voters are not capable to determine who is best suited to do a certain job. In James Wettlaufer’s opinion the three selectmen are smarter than the rest of the town; hence, they have to do it for us, the voters.
Even so the tax collector’s position is an elected position and up for re-election this year, the general by-laws are silent about whether it is in fact an elected position or not.
Nancy Talbot, tax collector, is currently under investigation by the State Ethics Commission for alleged improprieties, see Holland Blog filed complaint with State Ethics Commission against Nancy Talbot, tax collector of Holland.
The Personnel Committee, once reconvened, will determine which positions to change from elected to salary positions. There was talk about Linda Blodgett’s town treasurer position and Nancy Talbot’s tax collector position.
Knowing Earl Johnson, I’m convinced that it is not about Linda Blodgett, it is about his son Brian Johnson.
Brian Johnson and his Highway Department drew repeatedly negative attention in the resent past. His position is up for re-election and it is questionable if he is still able to win the “popularity contest” Wettlaufer was talking about.
Brian Johnson is the owner of an illegal building lot (see Johnson LandGate); he allegedly wrecked the motorboat of the Holland Police Department while joy riding around the lake; as Highway Surveyor he allegedly refused to issue permits for no apparent reasons (see Holland’s officials still wasting money?); he made inappropriate insulting comments and used foul language while on the job inside the town hall (see Johnson’s failed attempt to jail LaMountain.); he allegedly discarded his private household garbage at the cost of the taxpayer (see Untitled); he incorporated J and G Construction back on November 18, 2008, of whom he is the president (see Office or residence?); he lied to two police officers in an attempt to have me arrested (see Our elected Highway Superintendent a liar?); and he was photographed while babysitting and driving around his young daughter in a town pickup truck (see Daycare-Center at the Highway Department?).
The selectboard received a letter from the Planning Board addressed to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to be signed. The Planning Board intends to develop new, and review current, bylaws and is seeking technical assistance.
Discussion about the lack of security at the town hall and needed changes to improve security.
Earl Johnson is then pondering about the “fine line” between an idiot and a genius..”
March 10, 2010, Peter Frei