The Vanishing Officials

by Marcia Chambers | March 19, 2007 2:33 PM | | Comments (11)

Branford’s Superintendent of Schools has rebuked the town and RTM Moderator James Bruno, saying if Bruno reads another letter pertaining to school personnel, the Board of Education may sue the town and Bruno as well.

In a letter to Bruno that was read at last week’s RTM meeting, Dr. Kathleen Halligan said she was “outraged and dismayed” by Bruno’s decision to read the letter to both the RTM and the townspeople via public television.

“Make no mistake however, a repeat of this type of response will not be tolerated and may open the Town of Branford, and/or you, the moderator to a legal response from the School System.”

The letter centered on sensitive personnel matters at the John B. Sliney School. At issue is the conduct of a male teacher and a series of so-called “tickling” incidents that involved second and fourth grade girls. The parents who wrote the letter Bruno made public not only discussed this incident, but another that centered on a teacher’s supervision of their Down’s syndrome son. They named the teacher.

Dr. Halligan pointed out, as have others, that the resolution of these issues, however thorny, belongs to the police and the Board of Education, not the RTM.

In her letter she said: “Since the town has no authority or jurisdiction over the schools, other than to allocate the funds necessary to run the school system, I am totally mystified as to why this letter was read. The public reading of this correspondence breaches the confidentiality imperative under which school systems operate.

“It is our legal responsibility to protect students and staff from disclosure and possibly defamatory comments. The issue is, among other things, a treatment of interpretation, rumor and innuendo as fact. Clearly, anyone in your position must understand their reach of authority in such matters.”

If Bruno did not understand the status of such letters, surely Shelley Marcus, town counsel #2, should have known. “In the state of Connecticut,” Dr. Halligan wrote, “schools are under the jurisdiction and authority of the state. I cannot state this fact too strongly, it was totally inappropriate for you to read this letter, and to do so was reprehensible.”

Bruno, an ardent supporter of Cheryl Morris- Ed Marcus team, has come under fire in the last two months for reading letters that members on both sides of the aisle say are politically motivated. His first letter, read in January, centered on residency and other issues involving RTM members, including Rep. Lonnie Reed, who also serves as the chair of the RTM’s education committee.

Reed says she agrees with Halligan’s letter. In an interview she said she wrote Dr. Halligan last week and “I told her that the RTM Education Committee stands behind her and her efforts to uphold the integrity of all aspects of the education process and the protection of all students and school system personnel.”

How did Bruno or other members of the administration react to Dr. Halligan’s letter? We don’t know because none of them attended the March 14th RTM meeting where the letter was read. No Bruno, no Second Selectman, Dick Sullivan, no Shelley Marcus, no David Doyle or any other member of the Marcus Law Firm. Indeed, this may have been the first RTM meeting in the First Selectwoman’s administration without an attorney in tow.

Many RTM members, both Republican and Democrat, were furious with Bruno for reading the education letter. Sources have told the Eagle that Ms. Marcus knew the contents of the letter, which was read aloud in the Democratic caucus before the Feb 27th RTM meeting.

In caucus, Representatives Sandra Reiners and Lonnie Reed told Bruno, and RTM member Ralph Coppola, who was pushing the letter, not to read it at the RTM meeting. But Ms. Marcus apparently did not heed their advice because she said not a word to Bruno, sources said. He then went forward and read the letter.In the past he has bowed to her will.

The absence of Ms. Marcus meant an absence of questions: questions from RTM members and from the public about why Ms. Marcus permitted the letter to be read in the first place and given this new threat of a BOE lawsuit against the town, what her reasons might have been.

Indeed, Frank Carrano, who as head of the Branford Board of Education happened to be at the Feb 27th meeting, pointed out to Bruno that town counsel surely would not have permitted the reading of such a letter. He was livid at hearing the letter and turned to Ms. Marcus as he said it, not knowing of her silence on the matter at the caucus.

Bruno’s absence also deprived both Democrats and Republics from adopting a resolution to censure him for his actions, a resolution that presumably will be raised at the April meeting. It could have been worse; there had been talk of removing him entirely.

When First Selectwoman Cheryl Morris announced Bruno was ill, John Smith, the Democratic Majority leader, who was decked out in a suit and tie, stood ready to take his place. Smith, a steadfast Cheryl Morris-Ed Marcus supporter, seemed to relish the role and asked to be called Moderator Pro Tem. He opened the meeting with a hearty “Play Ball!”

In the letters portion of the meeting, Smith did not read Dr. Halligan’s letter, although he did not say it had been read “in caucus.” Instead Dennis Flanagan, the Republican RTM Clerk, who sits next to the moderator, read it. In doing so, he took Smith by surprise.

“We should have discussed this before hand,” Smith told Flanagan flatly, implying Flanagan should not have read it.

The public quarrel over the Board of Education letter required at least a minimum response from the First Selectwoman, who had said nothing at Feb 27th RTM meeting, giving the impression she favored it.

It turned out that Mrs. Morris was now prepared to speak. She was introduced by RTM member Jan Doyle, another Morris—Marcus loyalist. As is her style, Ms. Doyle first gave her response —- “I am surprised by the tone of the (BOE) letter,” said Ms. Doyle of the Halligan letter. Then she added that she had learned in caucus “from our First Selectman that the RTM can look into all matters and issues involving the BOE.” She went on to ask Mrs. Morris to explain.

Having been introduced, Mrs. Morris stood. She had to find a way to rebut the central issue—-that the RTM moderator exceeded his authority when he read a letter to the public about an issue over which the RTM has no power.

One would have thought the First Selectwoman would have shown concern, perhaps even empathy because so many of the school system’s 300 employees had been deeply upset by this breach in confidentiality. Perhaps Mrs. Morris even owed an apology to Dr. Halligan, to Carrano, to the teachers, to the public, to say something along the lines of regret because the letter had caused a new set of difficult problems. (The reason it was read, insiders say, was to attack Frank Carrano, who not only heads the Board of Education, but who also has the unenviable task of chairing the Democratic Town Committee. He defeated the Morris-Marcus team last year, removing them from administrative power over the Branford Democratic Party.)

But an apology did not happen. Sounding very much like her absent town counsel, Mrs. Morris observed that the RTM has “standing committees,” one of which is Education. She noted that the purpose of the Education committee was “to study and recommend action on any matters related to the Board of Education.”

Mrs. Morris attempted to convince the RTM that because the Education committee dealt with educational matters that somehow permitted Bruno to read a letter involving BOE personnel issues to the public. She observed that “I’m really not sure what letters are read, and what letters aren’t read, and who makes that decision.”

Again, she showed no concern, and gave no explanation of Bruno’s actions and Shelley Marcus’s actions. Instead she discussed her view of the RTM’s rules on letters.

“…One of the things that certainly I find interesting is that the rules seem to change. I know it wasn’t too long ago that this RTM was very adamant, stating that it represented the people of Branford and any communications sent to the RTM should be read, it was their responsibility to read it, and now that rule seems to change.”

She next returned to her Politician-as-Victim speech, a recurring theme.

“So it seems to me that the RTM was okay going back to the days shortly after I was elected ( Nov, 2005) when any letter coming into the RTM was allowed to be read as long as it was criticizing my administration, criticizing the town counsel, criticizing… unjustifiably accusing my administration of doing things that were false accusations .

“And quite honestly some of the letters and the statements made here were slanderous,” she opined without defining slander in relation to public officials. “So I find it interesting that the rules are now changing and that it is now okay. You know everybody had problems reading letters, but it wasn’t that long ago that you thought every letter should be read. So I really think that at this point in time, whatever this RTM does, they should play fair and make the rules fit everyone, not just those that are politically motivated. Thank you.”

And that is how Cheryl Morris, the town’s First Selectwoman, dealt with the situation.

For a few seconds the room was quiet. After all, what could one say? Then RTM member Gail Infantino, another Democrat who has disavowed the Morris Administration, broke the silence, and seemed to capture the sentiments of many.

“I think this letter had to do with the Board of Education and not with the RTM. It was not our business or our problem. This was for the Board of Education and the police department and I think we are giving too much emphasis and time on something that has nothing to do with us.”
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Comments

Posted by: Bob from Branford | March 20, 2007 1:28 PM

to counter efforts to embarrass select political enemies (that is anyone who disagrees with their Stalin-like tactics) why not launch a letter campaign of our own? Perhaps the "work" of the likes of the Marcus tag team could create some (unfounded) comments, which, if following this pattern, would too be read in the public domain. The system provides for no proof or validation of any comments, simply opinion (we all have those). Revolution!

Posted by: Moshe Gai | March 20, 2007 4:22 PM


I do not understand what is Dr. Kathleen Halligan waiting for in stating: "Make no mistake however, a repeat of this type of response will not be tolerated and may open the Town of Branford, and/or you, the moderator to a legal response from the School System". Why not commence "legal response" against Bruno right now. And what is the RTM waiting for? Why is Bruno not censored or fired? The only reason this collection of hooligans continues to behave this way is because we allow them to do so. It is time we, the good people of this fair town, take an action and make it clear to the Morris, Marcus, Bruno, Smith, Coppola, and yes that Jan Doyle, that their behavior does not belong in our town. We can't wait till November to send them this message. We must act now.

Thus Spake Moshe Gai

Posted by: scjerry | March 20, 2007 7:07 PM

Sometime soon (not soon enough), the political die will be cast, and the respective town political councils will decide on their chosen candidates for the next two-year term as leaders of our fair town. Ms. Morris will be forced to run as an independent. Let us collectively conspire, irrespective of our political party labels, to insure that this blight on the rose of democracy is eradicated forever.

Posted by: E. Cleveland [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 20, 2007 8:25 PM

The revelation about Town Counsel Shelly Marcus listening to the letter being read in caucus and then staying silent on the issue begs the question about whether or not she knows the laws of Connecticut concerning the Board of Education..? (Don't forget our taxes PAY for her to attend these meetings (at around $100/hour or more?) since Cheryl seems to need the constant and ever-present support of her town attorneys.) If that is the case, the townspeople are once again getting the short end of the stick if Shelly was unable to see a lawsuit in the making. Every person who heard the letter being read at the RTM meeting was thinking that. And Cheryl's hissy fit was, once again, unbearable to listen to. Instead of leadership she whines. Does she really think that if she whines enough about being criticized that people will just stop noticing her lack of leadership? And her mention of slander...is she too now, along with her buddy Town Attorney Ed Marcus, threatening to sue the people of Branford for our imagined misdeeds?

Posted by: jim from branford | March 21, 2007 4:55 PM

I have been away from Branford for the month of Feb and returned to this mess we have in our white house "town hall". You couldn't even make this up! Thanks to The Branford Eagle for your work in keeping us informed.
Are we really paying more than $450,000.00 a year for legal advice because we have a first select person who can not do the job of running this little town? We now have a school system who will sue the town and it's rtm moderator because neither he nor his legal adviser knows their responsibilities? I pay a healthy property tax bill each year and I feel that I'm getting screwed! I thank GOD for our RTM government and it's function as a check and balance to this out of control group of bandits that came here with their plans for our future. GOD Bless those on the RTM on both sides of the party line that are willing to fight for what is right. Opie or Unk, bedunkedunk, they get my vote in November "07" and thank you district #2 RTM representative for speaking out against this continuing shamble of government!
JGM

Posted by: Mojito. T.E. | March 22, 2007 12:02 AM

It is sad to see what Branford government has become under the "leadership" of the Morris/Marcus administration. I do not recall in our town's history, threats of lawsuits between town council and citizens, superintendents and the RTM, now maybe 1st Selectwoman and RTM or residents, if all these lawsuits were to come about, guess who would be collecting from both sides, that's right the Marcus Law Firm! Ed sure knows how to make the buck, and given how this town is being run, there is plenty more he is looking to grab.

In seeing this debacle unfold, I still think back to the flyer I received from the Morris/Sullivan campaign, with several prominent Democrats (including Unk DaRos) throwing there support to the Morris campaign. I recall reading letters to the editor in the local papers from Rep. Chapman, Reed, Reiners (all now under attack by the Morris Administration) praising the "leadership" and "vision" Cheryl had for Branford.

Well, as one voter seeing that "leadership" and "vision" in action, I must say, thanks to these "must-vote-the-party-line" individuals. It is Unk, Gail, Lonnie, Sandra and all those wearing the "Vote for Morris" sweatshirts that are to blame. For some reason they could not see past winning the election at all cost, regardless of what that would mean to the Town of Branford. It was their "party-above-all" mentality back then, that is costing us dearly today and this resident wants voters not to forget that fact.

Posted by: E. Cleveland [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 10:02 AM

Hi Mojoto: (What is your real name, anyway?) You bring up some very interesting issues. You are a Republican one has to assume, and given that and your comment, I am now thinking that we should be blaming YOU for all that President Bush is now doing to ruin this country? The Republican Party is the party that has always been the lock-step-fall-into-line party, the "party-above-all" and the "must-vote-the-party-line" bunch. You need only look at the horrors that they have recently wrought on the American people. Look at the illegal wiretaps, look at the Valerie Plame issue, look at Karl Rove's puppeteering of W., look at what they are doing to the environment, look at what they have done to our civil liberties. So if you really believe your comment, then I guess it is your fault that Bush is the worst president ever because you voted him into office. So I want point out (to quote you) "that is costing us dearly today and this resident wants voters not to forget that fact."

At this point I really don't think this country can afford a Republican leader at any level. They are the party of big government, big spending, big deficits, intolerance, and a lack of concern about universal health-care. They would rather spend all of their time passing legislation to try and keep poor Terri Schaivo "alive" than work on behalf of the 230 million other people in this country.

With all due respect, I am wondering if you are doing anything to fix the situation down there in Washington? Because I can tell you that the non-Morris/Marcus majority of the Democratic Party here in Branford is doing plenty to fix the situation here in Branford.

Posted by: ctkeith | March 22, 2007 11:07 AM

Mojito,

I like John Opie and Even though I'm a member of the Democratic Town Committee I speak very candidly an honestly with many members of the Republican Town Committee in this town. I even stood and conversed and had a few laughs with Mr. Opie and Mr. Black for a few hours last election day at the Senior Center.I believe John Opie is a decent and honest man and he always did what he thought was in the interest of the town of Branford when he served as 1st Selectman,2nd Selectman and on the RTM.

"WE ARE UNBEATABLE" were the words FORMER 1st Selectman John Opie had the audacity and stupidity to mutter to open his 2005 reelection campaign.He then ordered the Republican Party in this town to retire to their corner and NOT RUN A CAMPAIGN.

Opie wasn't beat by the big bad Branford Democratic Party he was beat by a candidate with tepid support from at least 1/2 of the Dem Town Committee because of Republican ineptitude and indifference in an election where the least amount of votes were cast in many many years.

The Morris/Marcus mob overestimated their win and thought the Democratic Party would roll over and cede 100% of their power to them but were rebuffed.
It took a very short time for the majority of the Branford Democratic Party to realize we had elected a woman who was a wiling Puppet of her husbands long time Political master(Marcus) and we stood up to them almost immediately by rejecting Marcus capo Jim Brunos candidacy for Dem. Town Chairman and electing Frank Carrono instead.

We'll clean up our mess the only way possible in our democratic system which is by denying the Marcus/Morris our nomination this fall.Perhaps if your Party had the same amount of guts and integrity we wouldn't have had to indure 3 terms of John Rowland,6 terms of Bill Aniskovich and be watching our kids die daily and needlessly in the middle of a bloody civil war in Iraq because of George W Bush's 2nd term.


Posted by:


Posted by: Mojito. T.E. | March 24, 2007 12:27 PM

Comments back to ECleveland, I guess I could accept your characterization of me, if I did indeed voted party-line Republican in past elections, but I did not, not on the national level, state level nor local level, and that is what differentiated me from many of the folks who sat on the DTC or were politically tied to the DTC the last go around. I sit today knowing that I voted for the individuals that I thought would do the best job for the town of Branford, regardless of party affiliation, as I have done in every election. I assume you may have done the same, hence your disgust with the current administration.

Unfortunately those public figures I mentioned earlier Unk, Gail, Lonnie, and Sandra did not. Unk openly endorsed the Morris/Sullivan campaign, had their lawn signs on his property, was quoted in their literature, and made financial contributions to their cause. (Note: I did not donate a dime to Bush, Rowland, or Morris/Sullivan). As for the others, just read the past election issues of the Branford Review and The Sound, they openly supported the Morris/Sullivan administration touting her ability to lead Branford into the future. Those are facts that you can't deny. Now if you're telling me these folks; who I believe are intelligent individuals, had no idea how Cheryl, her husband Bruce and their pal Ed Marcus were going to run this town, if elected, then maybe I give them more credit then they are due.

And please don't characterize the local Republican Party with what is happening in Washington. To imply that the Branford Republican Party could influence these issues in Washington is giving them power that the CT Republican party doesn't even have (see Islander East issue). On a local level the Republicans are anything but party-line. Look at this past year and the endorsements made by the RTC for boards and commissions. They have publicly endorsed Unaffiliated, Democrat and yes, Republican residents back for new terms. They did so because these people were right for the job, not because of their political label. And I must say in some instances, doing so force the hand of the current administration that seemed to be conducting a volunteer replacement program to take care of their campaign supporters.

Maybe this administration will serve as the wake-up call to those who did not travel to the polls last election, and to those who did but did so voting party-line. The price we all are paying today for those actions put lousy leadership in Town Hall and that I believe is something we can both agree on.

Posted by: Taxpayer Too | March 24, 2007 3:02 PM

Interesting comments from all who have written so far. "Hindsight is always twenty - twenty." The GOOD news is that some of the Dems who supported the Morris/Sullivan campaign quickly came to the defense of the public when it became clear that this administration was (and is!) out to destroy this town and various residents, all in the name of money, power and greed. Kudos to Unk, Gail, Lonnie,Sandra, and to everyone else who is standing up in support of the town's best interests!!! Seems that Mojito T.E. is setting the stage for the upcoming local election in November,rightfully so and not surprising. The Dems are doing the same, both the Good and the Evil. Let's hope that the Good surpasses the Evil this time around!

Posted by: ctkeith | March 27, 2007 8:54 AM

Mojito,


Mailers and endorsements don't win elections,VOTES DO.

The only 2 times I can recall in the last 15 yrs or so the incumbent didn't win when running was when Dom Buonacore got dumped and John Opies defeat.Both men attributed mightily to there own losses.
Marcus/Morris ran on the FACT that under Opie Property tax increased and used the old Republican campaign tactic(ie,lie) that the increases were excessive.It worked ONLY because of the inept campaign run by the Branford Republicans.

Our 2 party system isn't perfect but it's done ok if you ask me.For you to blame the Democrats for simply showing up is kind of silly.Don't you think?


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