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After split votes, Select Board reinstates taxi permit for Chanderpaul Simms
Summary
Following testimony from Police Chief Searle and Blue Fish Taxi owners, Oak Bluffs Select Board first voted to deny then reversed to approve the reinstatement of Chanderpaul Simms's taxi permit; the final vote was 4-1 in favor.
The Select Board on July 14 debated whether to reinstate a taxi driver's permit for Chanderpaul (Chanderpaul) Simms, who sought renewal after a prior court matter. Police Chief Searle presented facts to the board, recounting that Officer Bettencourt witnessed an assault involving a person later identified as Mr. Simms and that when booked several forms of identification and prescription drugs were found; at court disposition Mr. Simms was placed on pretrial probation and the case was dismissed at the end of that period.
Mr. Simms told the board he has lived on the island six years and had been driving taxis for two years, and he said the identification found when booked were expired and that the drugs would not be an issue going forward. Donnel Marriott, co-owner of Blue Fish Taxi, spoke in support and said company leadership had discussed conduct and changes with Mr. Simms. The board first voted 1-4 to deny the application, then reconsidered and approved the reinstatement by a 4-1 roll-call vote. Select Person Bill Cleary voted against the final approval; the other four members voted to grant the permit.
