Residents urge board to reconsider administrative leave for longtime road worker

Residents packed the public-comment period at the Royalton Select Board meeting to defend longtime road employee Demi Pools and press the board for more transparency after an administrative-leave decision. Multiple speakers said Demi’s work has kept local roads in good condition and that the town risks higher costs if his experience is lost. "He's the only one who can run the excavator," said Scott, a neighbor who called Demi "loyal as the day is long."

David Whitney told the board he was "really concerned about the way you guys approached Demi," saying the town placed Demi on administrative leave and told him not to come onto town premises until the meeting. Ray Ochowski, who said he has lived on what is now Obey Lane for about 40 years, praised Demi’s workmanship and said the road condition is "the best it has been in 40 years," arguing the public deserves clarity rather than rumor. "We have an utmost respect for the quality of the work," Ochowski said.

The Chair thanked speakers for making their comments and then moved the meeting toward an executive session on personnel. The public remarks collectively emphasized two linked points: residents’ support for Demi Pools’ vocational skills and experience, and calls for clearer communication from the Select Board about personnel decisions. The speakers recommended the board consider operational continuity (equipment operation, welding and repair skills) and the fiscal implications of outsourcing those tasks if experienced town staff depart.