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Residents press Selectboard for action; one commenter delivers lengthy constitutional "notice"
Summary
Multiple residents used the public-comment period to request a written apology and to praise the chair; Emily Peyton read a multi-page notice challenging emergency powers and asserting liability for officials who exceed constitutional authority.
Several residents used the Oct. 1 public-comment period to press the Selectboard on local concerns and to make formal statements.
Elizabeth Warner asked the board for a written apology during public comment, and other residents and attendees—including Laura Chapman and Deb Lazar—addressed the board. Billy Strauss submitted a written statement praising Chair Aileen Chute for what he described as "skilled and strong leadership" and her efforts to foster civil, inclusive public engagement.
Public commenter Emily Peyton read what she described as a formal "Notice" asserting that emergency powers that exceed constitutional limits are unlawful, arguing that judges and administrative agencies lack authority to impose measures that infringe individual rights. Peyton cited historical authorities in a lengthy statement and asked officials to respond with sworn affidavits if they contend they have authority to infringe rights; she also outlined civil penalties and a private arbitration remedy in the document she presented. The transcript records no formal response from the Selectboard to the specific claims in Peyton's statements.
The board did not take formal action on the requests made during public comment; no written apology or other remedy is recorded in the meeting minutes. Public-comment items and documents submitted during the meeting were noted as attachments to the meeting record.
