Memo controversy erupts in St. Albans

ST. ALBANS – A memo from Town Manager Larry Post to two of the three selectmen inadvertently was made public Monday night, igniting tempers and prompting accusations that eleventh-hour election tactics were being used.

The memo controversy is the latest shot fired in years of division within the community, with Post’s management at its heart.

Post said Tuesday that he sent the memo to Selectmen Curt Lombard and Perley Martin in an attempt “to rein in” a third board member, Selectman Peter Denbow. On Feb. 21, Denbow had sent Post a list of seven items he wanted included on the Feb. 26 agenda.

There had been several memos back and forth in the past, Post said, and Monday’s missive was “never meant to be public.”

Denbow said he needed some time to put the issue in perspective and could not comment Tuesday.

Some of the language in the memo was harsh, and Post said it was evidence that “I’m tired of the controversy in town. The memo illustrated my frustration.”

Post used the terms “more stupidness” in the memo when referring to Denbow’s requests. He clarified that Tuesday by saying that many of the issues Denbow raises already have been discussed and settled.

“This amount of continuing issues is of dubious relevance,” he said.

Post said Denbow continues to raise issues about Post’s already signed 2007 contract and salary, a tax abatement for a hermitage, and other items.

In a November memo to Denbow about contract issues, Post wrote, “I am simply unsure as to where you’re coming from. I attempt to do my job and serve our citizens in a professional manner under the current and very trying circumstances. … The bottom line is I would like us to be united, not divided.”

Post acknowledged that he should have sent a copy of the memo to Denbow and erred in only providing it to Lombard and Martin. He said Denbow had been repeatedly overstepping as a selectman, including saying that he was representing the entire board to a town attorney and the town’s assessor’s agent when seeking information.

“No one else on the board was aware that Mr. Denbow was seeking these opinions or information,” Post said. “When you represent yourself as a selectman, you represent the town. [Denbow] needs to be accountable to the entire board.”

He said one move by Denbow ended up with the town getting a $105 attorney’s bill, which Denbow later said was a mistake and paid for himself.

Post said he believes a number of people within the community, whom he did not identify, were using the memo to stir controversy just a few days before elections and town meeting, which is set for this Saturday.

“Someone will likely use this to their advantage,” he said.