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Select board votes 3–2 to send apology letter to state over earlier emergency-meeting remarks
Summary
After discussion of a special emergency meeting and the state's delayed response to requests for assistance, the board approved a motion to apologize "if offense was taken"; supporters said the apology reflected improved cooperation with state agencies, while opponents said the original frustration was warranted.
The Pownall select board voted 3–2 to send a letter apologizing to state officials for how the town expressed frustration during an earlier emergency meeting about the state's response.
Board discussion began when a member (speaker 5) asked whether the town should add an apology to a message thanking the state, saying the board had been "very upset with the state" at the time because representatives had not responded as expected. Other members said that while the frustration at the time was understandable, the state is now collaborating with the town and the apology would recognize that improved relationship.
"I'll make a motion that we apologize if offense was taken by the state. We were frustrated at the time, and we are very happy that the state now is working with us to help resolve the situation," a board member (speaker 4) moved. The motion was seconded and, after brief discussion, passed by a 3–2 vote. The chair (speaker 2) instructed staff to send the letter.
Supporters emphasized gratitude for subsequent state assistance; dissenting members maintained the original concerns about delayed responses were warranted. The action was procedural: the board authorized sending the letter rather than adopting a change in policy.
