What is happening with the Select Board in Hadley? A few weeks ago, they ignored the expert opinions of the Board of Health, and the legitimate concerns of citizens about the use of highly toxic pesticides in the outdated method of aerial spraying for mosquitoes. And now they seem to have lost sight of the purpose of Conservation Commissions.
These entities were created in the late 1950s with the mission to protect and conserve open space and later to protect wetlands. They were not created to serve the political interests of select boards or to play on a town team. In the current climate emergency we need to be even more vigilant at protecting all of our natural resources. Forests, farmlands and especially wetlands all play important roles in storing carbon. These lands also affect our water quality, wildlife, and our enjoyment of life.
With all the important work the conservation commission does, there should be a full roster of volunteers. They certainly should not feel pressured by the opinions of select board members who are not experts in these fields. It is unacceptable for the head of the commission to be dismissed without a transparent, citizen-involved, process.
There is no place in our town government for playing politics or power games. Our future, our children’s and their children’s futures depend on the decisions we make today. Hadley, we need to do better!
Susan Garrett
Hadley
