Willimantic shenanigans

I was interested to read Eric Stumpfel’s spin on the political shenanigans in Willimantic in “Advice Sought on Legal Fees” (BDN, Dec. 16-17). Mr. Stumpfel claims that his legal advice to selectmen in 2004 was vital in preventing an “illegal takeover” of the Willimantic town government and that the costs incurred were legitimate.

I would refer Mr. Stumpfel to Maine Statute 30-A:2521 to note that it is perfectly legal for voters to call a town meeting by petition if selectmen refuse to hold a meeting. I would also refer Mr. Stumpfel to his correspondence dated May 28, 2004, and went to Selectman Debbie Pettigrew. He accused the voters of attempting an illegal putsch! A putsch is a secret attempt to overthrow a government.

Our meeting to try to pass a recall provision was as far from secret as you could get. We put notices in the paper, handed out fliers and put up signs to encourage folks to attend and vote. That sounds downright democratic to me.

The best part of Mr. Stumpfel’s correspondence to Ms. Pettigrew explains that the Attorney General’s Office saw no connection between our voter-initiated meeting and an attempt to overthrow town government. The Attorney General’s Office advised that no action was warranted because the meeting was legal.

It is unfortunate that attorney Stumpfel not only ignored the advice of the attorney general, but actually suggested the selectmen file an injunction against town residents to stop our meeting. It was this action that ultimately cost the taxpayers the bulk of the $7,700 bill from Eaton Peabody.

Fast forward to 2006 and consider the open investigation by the Maine State Police and the Attorney General’s Office concerning missing town funds. You have to wonder what the selectmen were really worried about.

Richard Packard

Willimantic