Politics & Government

BRTC Declines, BOE Accepts Invitation To Debate High School Renovation Plan

PTOs hoped for discussion between BOE and BRTC.

In an open letter to McGee PTO President Helen deRito and various news outlets, George Millerd, Chairman of the Berlin Republican Town Committee, declined to take part in a one-on-one debate with the Board of Education over the proposed high schoool renovation project.

Later in the day, Board of Education President Gary Brochu, sent a letter to deRito and the same media outlets accepting to have a member of the BOE participate in the debate.

The BRTC letter reads as follows:

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Helen:  While we appreciate the PTO's efforts to better inform the public, we, members of the BRTC, do not believe a debate between one of our members and Gary Brochu would be an effective means of improving communications and understanding on this topic. We respectfully decline your offer.
 
While there are a multitude of reasons for declining your offer, let me state two that quickly come to mind.
 
First, historically town meetings and debates have been an extremely ineffective means of communicating with Berlin residents. With 13,000+ residents eligible to vote in local elections, the past debates have been hard pressed to draw more than 75 people.  Our's and the BOE's efforts would be better spent communicating through more efficient channels.
 
Second, and most important, we do not view this vote as a political issue and feel it is inappropriate for the BRTC to present ourselves as the voice of those opposed to the current plan. Had the Democrat Council members and BOE members been active in helping to collect signatures to bring this key proposal before the voters, they would have quickly become aware that those opposed to this proposal are of all political persuasions and have varied reasons for their opposition.  We can not possibly represent all these people and their viewpoints.
 
If the BRTC is viewed by the BOE as being the major opposition to this proposal, it is unfortunate that they never, once, offered to sit with us and hear our viewpoints or discuss alternatives. Perhaps, if this proposal is voted down, Mr. Brochu and the BOE will be more open to listening, accepting and responding to opposing viewpoints before the next solution is thrown on the table.
 
Our primary purpose in forcing this decision to referendum was to give the residents a chance to be heard and to decide for themselves by exercising their right to vote. Fortunately, this will happen on March 15.
 
 Sincerly,
 
George Millerd
Chairman, Berlin Republican Town Committee

The BOE letter read:

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Dear Ms. DeRito and members of the Parent-Teacher Organizations,

First, on behalf of the Berlin Board of Education, let me thank you and the Berlin Parent-Teacher Organizations for your sincere interest in promoting a more accurate understanding of the needs of our High School and how the proposed renovation plan might address them.  Your organizations, in addition to working to support our schools, have been at the forefront of providing forums and opportunities for residents to become better informed on the issues facing our community.  I recall participating in one such forum when your group sponsored a debate for Board of Education candidates two years ago.

As I’m sure you are aware, throughout this process, the Board of Education has held and/or participated in a variety of forums, meetings, discussions and tours to help residents become more informed on this issue and, simply put, provide an opportunity for residents to get their questions answered.  We are committed to continuing this transparency by making ourselves available to the public. 

Accordingly, I am happy to accept your invitation and commit to a member of the Board of Education being available to participate in your debate anytime during the week of March 7th.  This forum is yet another opportunity to meet with residents and respond to their questions and concerns.  Should the Berlin Republican Town Committee decline to accept your invitation to address and respond to the public, we would still be willing to appear and respond to questions, should you wish to go forward.

We understand that a debate between two or more individuals or groups might not be the most efficient way to transmit information to 13,000 voters, but we also understand the importance of being available to interested members of the public.  I thank you for the opportunity to do so.  Regardless of whether or not this public forum takes place, we welcome the opportunity to meet with the PTOs or any other group of Berlin residents.  Indeed, we view it as our responsibility.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Gary Brochu, Board of Education President

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