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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-29 Select Board Packet Office of the Town Manager 781-942-9043 16 Lowell Street townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us Reading, MA 01867 www.readingma.gov/town-manager To: Select Board From: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur Date: May 27, 2020 RE: Election comments from Town Clerk Laura Gemme Good morning – please see the comments from Town Clerk Laura Gemme below. There has been a lot of late-breaking news and changes in the past 24 hours, we are endeavoring to stay on top of things in preparation for your meeting tonight. Town Counsel plans to join you and respond to as many questions as possible under the changing landscape. Staffing There has been some relaxing of the number of staff to run an election which bring the absolute minimum to six per precinct, that requirement is in effect until June 30th unless extended, which I anticipate will happen. If there are two elections on the same day that will bring the minimum to twelve per precinct. They have also relaxed the voter registration requirement allowing me to schedule 16- and 17-year old’s, which I will need to think about. This also is in effect until June 30th Anytime there is two elections on the same day they must be run as two separate elections with two separate sets of staff. Also, please keep in mind with only six per precinct, there is still that same numbe r of tasks to complete which is usually completed by eight per precinct, plus the extra that are assigned outside of the precincts. A concern I have is keeping twelve election workers in the precinct, no matter how we set up the Field House six feet apart as much as possible is going to be impossible. Something that also must be kept in mind while considering less staff or set up changes is security of the ballots. Another concern, as the same concern I had for the March 3rd election, September 1st is a Primary, there will be 4 ballots and we will be adding a 5th if combined. Dealing with 5 ballots with less staff will be even harder. For the March election I conducted over 10 training sessions for new staff… Most of the staff is not likely to work again due to COVID-19, I will need to tap into the younger generation, therefore will be conducting addition training during these times we are in. One election, Minimum staff = 54 + voters, office staff, BoRs Two elections, Minimum staff = 108 + voters, office sta ff, BoRs Facts of running Elections A little of information on running an election under normal times, in other words not during a pandemic… An election process starts way before election day, for example the process for the November election started in 2019. The bulk of running an election starts about two months before and ends about one month after. eSignatures for Nomination Papers As far as I know that was put in place as a temporary fix to allow signature on the state level, this cannot be used on the local level. This was set by the SEC Elections Division, I will have a conversation with them, but I don’t think it will be available for local elections. Question of can I be prepared in 64 days? I can be prepared in 35 days, the laws say I have to be. If the election date is set I will make it work. If Recall Election is called on May 27th The Election must happen between July 30th to August 25th Suggestion for Recall Election I would like to suggest that the Recall Election be called and the date set as soon as possible. If it is called on May 27th and set for August 1st I will just be finishing up around the day of the Primary, but allowing me to run the two elections under two different sets of rules depending on what passes in current bills. With the Election being scheduled for August 1st, this gives the Select Board some flexibility on scheduling of hours of the election, allows those that work and want to vote in person to be able to. Allows for more absentee balloting as most are away in August. By MGL a location election only needs to be open to voter for 4 hours. Not something that Reading has ever taken advantage but this be a good time Date and Hours Saturday, August 1, 2020 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Concern Please keep in mind that according to the Charter this election must happen before October 6, 2020 and having it any later than August will bring us into the November Election. Cost As I have said in the past, there is very little if any savings in having two elections on the same day. There is a misconception that you can run two elections with the same staff as one, not true. The only savings is the cost of setting up the Field House and the tear down. For the March 3, 2020 election this was a savings of just over $1,300.00. There can be a savings on Police Detail depending on the turn out on election day. For the March 3, 2020 election there was no savings. For the September 1st as we will be dealing with more mail in than in person the police detail may have a savings of about $3,000.00 Public Hearing The Board of Registrars are meeting on Thursday to set a date for the Public Hearing more than likely late June. The target date is June 29th but this has not been set yet. What do I need for Mail-In I have in mind how to run a mail in election, but I am not sure what I am going to need until the Regulations are issued by the SEC. I am sure they will be coming out with the Guideline and Regs in the very near future. It is just a matter of changing a few process steps and redirecting the cost factors. Another consideration on Combining If the Recall Election is held the same day as the State Primary, the legislation put in place for September and November may not include any local or special elections. This may present having two elections run differently. Example: If the all mail-in election passes for the Primary and does not include any provisions for local elections, one will be mail-in and the other will not. This will create confusion among the voters and the staff. Last Comment I have seen several elections run since this pandemic has started and with the safety cautions put in place, the likelihood of more absentee ballots, less hours and the options given by the SEC. I am confident I can pull off a safe and successful election. As I have said before with the right resources I can pull anything off. MEMO May 28, 2020 To: Bob Lelacheur From: Mark Dockser Subject: Updated information on proposed legislation related to special election I reached out to Senator Lewis this afternoon to get his thoughts on the pending legislation as it relates to our special election. • He expects the legislature and governor will agree on legislation in the next few weeks to make sure Sept 1 and Nov 3 can be conducted as safely as possible. No partisan divide. All agree. • The bills under discussion will include no-fault absentee ballots and early voting. Other protections are being discussed as well. • His game plan to support our needs for a safe special election has been to add special municipal elections to these September/November election bills so that our election will be included. He has spoken with the election committee chair and others and has not had any pushback about this. • These bills are expected to be completed in early to mid-June. The Secretary of State is putting on pressure for early June to be able to print ballots. • Regarding House 4752: The Senate had a bill focused on town meetings that the House then added a variety of things to, including the August 1 date. This was not expected, and it is unclear at this time where the Senate will come out on this. The Senate is focused on getting the town meeting legislation completed as soon as possible, ideally for early next week. They are negotiating now with the House about this bill, but it won’t be completed this week. Both houses will b e meeting next on Monday. This August 1 provision could hold, it could be eliminated, or it could be extended to or closer to September 1 which is what Senator Lewis is pushing for if there is to be an extension of the earlier no-fault provisions. But it is not clear that the August 1 date will hold or even be included in this piece of legislation. Please share this with the full board. Thanks, Mark 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:cmsmailer@civicplus.com on behalf of Contact form at Reading MA <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Sent:Thursday, May 28, 2020 1:02 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:[Reading MA] Questions (Sent by Michele Sanphy, michelesanphy@yahoo.com) Hello Select Board, Michele Sanphy (michelesanphy@yahoo.com) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/contact) at Reading MA. If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/edit. Message: Dear Select Board members, I watched last night's meeting and had a few questions I am hoping you can answer for me. I am interested in following the process of the legislation you were discussing last night that is in the House and you had received an update on yesterday before your meeting. Could you share with me the specific legislation, please? I appreciated the questions regarding due process of the language, I believe it was "under penalty of perjury" and was hoping you could share some more context. Can that be challenged in a court? Being a Town meeting member during the settlement of the lawsuit dealing with RMHS and the cost to the town, I am concerned. I understand the schools and town have been working together and nurses are doing the COVID 19 contact tracing. As Reading, re-opens and goes through the different phases do we have additional resources for contract tracing, especially as large events occur? Thank you each for asking questions because it helps me to better understand the agenda item. I appreciate the different views and comments. Respectfully, Michele Sanphy 75 Glenmere Circle 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:cmsmailer@civicplus.com on behalf of Contact form at Reading MA <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 2:07 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:[Reading MA] Elder services (Sent by Nancy Errico, erricon@gmail.com) Hello Select Board, Nancy Errico (erricon@gmail.com) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/contact) at Reading MA. If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/edit. Message: What is the status on the replacement of Jane Burns as Director of Elder Services? Also what are the guidelines for reopening of the Pleasant St Center during COVID? 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:MA Municipal Assoc. <inichols@mma.org> Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 5:02 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Register for 3rd COVID-19 Municipal Elected Leaders Briefing 6.12.20 Register for COVID-19 Elected Leaders Briefing You are Invited to the Third MMA COVID-19 Briefing for Select Board Members and City & Town Councillors Friday, June 12 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. To All Select Board Members, Selectmen, and City & Town Councillors, The MMA will be hosting a third COVID-19 briefing for Select Board Members and City & Town Councillors on Friday, June 12, from 12:00 - 1:00 pm. MMA Executive Director Geoff Beckwith will provide members with the latest updates on the Baker-Polito Administration's response to COVID-19, and MMA Legislative Director John Robertson will speak about the legislative response to this public health emergency. We thank the leaders of the Massachusetts Select Board Association (MSA) and the Massachusetts Municipal Councillors’ Association (MMCA) for their efforts and support in organizing this briefing. This briefing will be done as a Zoom Webinar. To register, click the link below. Please be sure to register at least 60 minutes in advance. REGISTER HERE FOR THE BRIEFING After you register, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom, which will contain information about joining the webinar. We recommend that you download the Zoom app onto your computer and smartphones to optimize your experience. If you need information on how to use Zoom, please visit the Zoom Help Center Meeting and Webinars. To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. 2 We will be taking questions during the call using the chat function, which requires use of the Zoom desktop or smartphone app. If you have questions that you would like to send in advance, please submit them using this form. Geoff and John will cover as many questions as they can during the hour. This briefing invitation is for Select Board Members/Selectmen and City and Town Councillors. The invitation is not transferable, so please do not forward it to others. Please also be sure to visit the MMA website for real-time COVID-19 updates and resources, and sign up for our newsletter for a weekly digest of all the latest news. We hope you and your families are all safe and in good health. Thank you for your leadership in protecting your communities during this challenging time! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Massachusetts Municipal Association 1 Winthrop Square Boston, MA 02110 (617) 426-7272 | Email Us | View our website Unsubscribe from MMA Emails To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Higher Logic 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:DLS Alerts <dls_alerts@dor.state.ma.us> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:15 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:City & Town - May 21st, 2020 To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. A Message from ANF Secretary Heffernan Regarding Coronavirus Relief Funds Michael J. Heffernan - Secretary of Administration and Finance Last week, Baker-Polito Administration announced plans to distribute up to $502 million from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (CvRF) to cities and towns across the Commonwealth for eligible COVID-19 response costs. We also provided detailed guidance to municipalities on the formal distribution process to help maximize federal resources and promote compliance with federal restrictions and reporting requirements. Please click here to view this guidance and click here for a letter sent to each Municipal Chief Executive Officer. Please also see a webinar held in conjunction with the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). Our distribution process allows municipalities, through their chief executive officer, to apply online for estimated Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) needs. These funds will help address any existing deficits in FY20, thereby avoiding the need to use reserves to fund a deficit or carry one into Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21). Municipalities will then have the opportunity to request funding for FY21 eligible COVID-19 costs at a later date. This approach will help distribute resources to municipalities quickly and efficiently, and will help minimize compliance risk. It will also allow necessary flexibility to allocate additional funds if unanticipated May 21st, 2020 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. In this edition:  A Message from ANF Secretary Heffernan Regarding Coronavirus Relief Funds  DESE Provides Guidance Related to High School Graduations Important Dates & Information ATTENTION ASSESSORS: MA Commission for the Blind Survey The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind is seeking help from local governments to learn more about tax benefits usage available to blind and visually impaired people and those that employ them in Massachusetts. This brief survey, administered by PCG on behalf of MCB, will help MCB learn more about how available aid provided by local governments is used, and will help MCB better serve the individuals they work with. You can take the survey by clicking MA Municipal Assessor Survey, or forward this to your local assessor or 2 needs arise, or if federal rules change. These resources will also help ease municipal cashflow pressures. It’s important to note that these federal funds must be utilized by municipalities consistent with parameters established by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES” Act) and guidance from the US Treasury Department. Under federal law, eligible uses must be necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to COVID–19, and may not be used to substitute for lost revenue. They cannot have been budgeted as of March 27, 2020 when the CARES Act was enacted, and may not supplant state or municipal spending. Additionally, the expenditures must be incurred on or after March 1, 2020, and up to December 30, 2020. One question that had not been answered by the federal government at the time of last week’s webinar was whether CvRF funds can be used as the local match for FEMA funds. I am pleased to say that recently released federal guidance clarifies that CvRF resources can be used as the local FEMA match. Please remember that clear processes and documentation can mitigate the risk of federal audit challenges to the uses of these funds. If you have questions about how to track and account for these funds, contact the auditing firm that completes your annual audit or your Division of Local Services (DLS) field rep. Please also feel free to email LocalGovCaresAct@DOR.state.ma.us with any questions on this topic. Thank you for your efforts to help the people of the Commonwealth during these challenging times. DESE Provides Guidance Related to High School Graduations Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Earlier today, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released guidance concerning high school graduations. Please see below. Graduation guidelines: other municipal tax professional. All survey responses are for MCB’s internal use only and will remain confidential. Thank you in advance for helping MCB provide the best possible services for blind and visually impaired people living in the Commonwealth. IGRs Related to Annual Assessment and Allocation of Tax Levy, Determining Annual Levy Limit Increase for Tax Base Growth IGR 20-8: Fiscal Year 2021 Guidelines for Annual Assessment and Allocation of Tax Levy IGR 20-9: Fiscal Year 2021 Guidelines for Determining Annual Levy Limit Increase for Tax Base Growth To review other recent DLS Bulletins and Informational Guideline Releases, please see this page on the DLS website. New Bulletins Related to An Act to Address Challenges Face by Municipalities and State Authorities Resulting from COVID-19 The Division of Local Services Bureau of Accounts has issued three Bulletins containing guidance regarding An Act to Address Challenges Face by Municipalities and State Authorities Resulting from COVID-19, St. 2020, c. 53, sections 5 through 7. Please review this important information. Bulletin 20-4 - Appropriation of July 1, 2019 Certified Free Cash and Retained Earnings After June 30, 2020 Bulletin 20-5 - Amortization of FY2020 Deficit Resulting From COVID-19 Emergency Bulletin 20-6 - Deficit Spending Authority for Continued Operation After June 30, 2020 In the Event of a Delay in FY2021 Budget Adoption To review other recent DLS Bulletins and Informational Guideline Releases, please see this page on the DLS website. U.S. Department of Commerce Grant Availability The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act 3 Between now and July 18, graduation should be held virtually or in limited circumstances following safety protocols, such as car parades. Beginning July 19, graduation ceremonies can take place OUTSIDE under certain conditions, assuming the public health data supports continued opening of our state, at that time.  Any graduation ceremony must be held outside only in a large venue to accommodate social distancing of at least six feet if attendees are not from the same immediate household. Tents or other enclosures are not permitted.  Only immediate family of graduates can attend. Families must sign up in advance, and only those who have pre- registered may attend.  All attendees must wear face masks in accordance with the Governor’s COVID-19 Executive Order No. 31 and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s guidance. Speakers may remove masks during their remarks.  Graduates should individually be invited to walk across the stage and turn their tassel in lieu of receiving a diploma by hand. No handshakes or hugs. Social distancing guidelines  Guests who are not part of the same immediate household must be seated at least 6 feet apart. Members of the same household are permitted to sit together less than 6 feet apart.  If there is fixed seating, rows should be blocked off and kept empty to allow for sufficient distancing between rows.  Children under 5-years-old and older adults, or those with vulnerable health conditions, should be discouraged from attending. provides the Economic Development Administration (EDA) with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. Click here for additional information. CANCELLED: 2020 New Officials Finance Forum Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the current COVID-19 state of emergency, the Division of Local Services (DLS) has cancelled its annual New Officials Finance Forum (NOFF) previously scheduled for Thursday, June 4th at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. Please note that DLS remains committed to providing helpful guidance and instruction to municipal officials through our recently developed Municipal Finance and Training Resource Center. GFOA Financial Policy Challenge For 2020, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has launched a Financial Policy Challenge to encourage members to adopt and share financial policies. Financial policies provide guidelines for financial decision making and set the strategic intent for financial management and are central to a strategic, long-term approach to financial management. To support this effort by GFOA, the Division of Local Services has built over a dozen financial policy manuals for cities and towns in Massachusetts. Click here to learn more about how the DLS Technical Assistance Bureau can help your community build a set of formal written financial policies to meet this challenge. DLS Links: COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Municipal Officials Municipal Finance Training and Resource 4  School staff must monitor the number of attendees entering and confirm they have pre-registered.  No receptions are permitted before or after the graduation. Venues must have sufficient access to hand-washing facilities, including soap and running water, as well as alcohol-based hand sanitizers available at all entrances and exits. Center Local Officials Directory Municipal Databank Informational Guideline Releases (IGRs) Bulletins Publications & Training Center Tools and Financial Calculators To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Editor: Dan Bertrand Editorial Board: Sean Cronin, Donnette Benvenuto, Linda Bradley, Paul Corbett, Theo Kalivas, Ken Woodland and Tony Rassias Contact City & Town with questions, comments and feedback by emailing us at cityandtown@dor.state.ma.us. To unsubscribe to City & Town and all DLS alerts, email dls_alerts@dor.state.ma.us. 5 This email was sent to selectmen@ci.reading.ma.us why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Division of Local Services · 100 Cambridge Street · Boston, MA 02114 · USA 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Burns, Greg Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 3:33 PM To:Delios, Jean; Jackson, Paul; Kraunelis, Matthew; LeLacheur, Bob; Martel, Justin; Paul Guarino (pfguarino@comcast.net); Reading - All Fire Department; Reading - Police Dispatchers; Reading - Selectboard Subject:Reading Fire Department's Weekly Notes Weekly Notes May 22, 2020 1. May 17-23, 2020 is National EMS Week. Thank you all for your high level of EMS knowledge, skills and abilities! 2. Thanks to Facilities for doing some painting at Station 1. The rooms are looking great! 3. On Saturday, May 23rd High School Parade Participants are asked to arrive at the Jordans Furniture by 9:15 a.m. and the parade will begin at 10 a.m. The parade route will be Walkers Brook Drive to Washington Street to Main Street to Birch Meador Drive to Oakland Road. We will have an Engine participate in the parade and we will display a flag across Main Street. 4. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that there will be temporary overnight lane closures on Main Street (Route 28) in Reading. The lane closures are scheduled to occur in overnight hours, beginning each evening at 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 26, Wednesday, May 27, Thursday, May 28 and Sunday, May 31, and ending at 5:00 a.m. the following day. A minimum of one travel lane in each direction will remain open to traffic at all times. 5. The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy is going to resume training recruits beginning June 8 th. The program delivery has structurally changed to adapt to the demands of the current public health environment. The MFA is reducing the class size from thirty-six (36) recruits to eighteen (18) recruits per class to remain in compliance with federal and state social distancing guidelines. Going forward, new recruit classes will commence every 21st training day cycle on each of the three (3) DFS/MFA campuses. The new training model will include on-campus training as well as instructor-led virtual learning sessions. It is anticipated that the new hybrid training model will be structured according to the following: (5 Training Days per Week – 0700 Hrs. to 1530 Hrs. per training day). 6. Next week Engine 3 will be going to Fleetmasters for some work. 7. Comp time hour balances are updated in the Department Communications folder. Chief Gregory J. Burns Reading Fire Department 757 Main Street Reading, MA 01867 (P) 781.944.3132 2 (F) 781.942.9114 www.readingma.gov 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Donis Perkins <donis.perkins@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 10:51 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Donis Perkins 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Dennis Dorandi <dorandidennis22@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 11:27 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Regards: Dennis Dorandi 32 Green Street Reading Ma 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:dawn gera <dawngera@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 11:50 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Select the date for the recall Please stop with the delay tactics and PLEASE select the date for the VANESSA ALVARADO recall. You are not listening to your voters . Your ignoring the Vanessa Alvarado recall petition . Answer to the people of this town!!! You are not doing your job!! Stop with the hidden agendas. We get it! You have been called out, finally. With the exception of Carlo Bacci, you are a horrible excuse for an effective select board . Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:dawn gera <dawngera@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 11:51 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the public comment portion of your 5/27 meeting, at the start of the meeting.] Signed, [NAME] [ADDRESS] Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:rogerdentremont@outlook.com Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 7:35 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Signed, Roger D’Entremont 398 Haverhill Street Reading, MA 01867 Sent from Mail for Windows 10 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:David Branga <dbranga@hotmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 7:36 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Signed, David M Branga 21 Franklin St 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Diane Massiglia <dmassig@me.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 7:47 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the public comment portion of your 5/27 meeting, at the start of the meeting.] Signed, [NAME]Diane Massiglia [ADDRESS]108. PineRidge Rd Sent from my iPad 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Donna Beaulieu <dbeau1113@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 7:59 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. ** Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Donna Beaulieu Belmont Street 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Frank Massiglia <fmassiglia@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 8:11 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. It's time you start governing. This is not going to go away. Handle the issue like professionals and let's move on. On another note can you help the school dept make a decision for graduation. You should be all over sending these kids off with one hell of a graduation party..It's not that difficult supposedly there is a pandemic you people have nothing else to do..Lets have the best graduation this town has ever seen.... Signed, Francis Massiglia [NAME] Frank Massiglia [ADDRESS] 108 Pine Ridge Road 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Diane Naczas <dnaczas@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 8:20 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Signed, Diane Naczas 50 Victoria Ave Reading, MA 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Barbara Melanson <barbmlan@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 8:55 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. We have done our work, now please do the job you were elected to do. Barbara Melanson 704 HAverhill Street Reading 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Barbara Grizzell <bsgslp77@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 8:58 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:5/27/20 Select Board Meeting To Whom It May Concern: Despite the Pandemic, life/duties must go on. Do your job at the 5/27/20 meeting and set the date for the Recall Election. Respectfully, Barbara Grizzell 22 Cumberland Road Reading, MA 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Kathy Gee <kathy.gee@comcast.net> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 9:26 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27 Signed, Kathy Gee 54 Curtis Street Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Sandra Santosuosso <sandraannsanto@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 9:28 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Signed, Sandra Santosuosso 25 Rustic Lane Reading, MA. 01867 Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Penny Belmonte <pjute1@aol.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 9:44 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Signed, Penny Belmonte 110 Timberneck drive Reading, ma Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Francis Burke Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 10:27 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Thank you. Francis P Burke Town Meeting Member - Prec 2 33 Chequessett Rd Reading, Ma 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Alan Beaulieu <alanbeau01@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 1:56 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Sincerely, Alan Beaulieu Precinct 2 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:cmsmailer@civicplus.com on behalf of Contact form at Reading MA <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 2:37 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:[Reading MA] South Main Street Corridor (Sent by Robert Kaminer, bkaminer@comcast.net) Hello Select Board, Robert Kaminer (bkaminer@comcast.net) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/contact) at Reading MA. If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/edit. Message: Hi- I'm sure I'm not the first person to ask..... what's going on & will it be repaved. After waiting years for it to be repaved, the right lane from Minot Street to 95 is again a roller coaster.THanks 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Joan Genzler <jgenzler@verizon.net> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 3:16 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Signed, Joan A Genzler 59 Bear Hill Rd Reading MA. I do not wish to speak during the public comment portion. Please just do your job!!! 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Douglas A. Bruce Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 3:20 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Signed, Sheila M. Bruce 67 John Street Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Laura Wilson Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 3:52 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall election Hello. First let me thank all the members of the Select Board for your tireless efforts to help our town during these strange times! There is no rules for this stuff and you guys are doing a great job. Thank you all! I’m horrified that the Select Board is being asked to consider having a special election this summer. Healthcare workers are putting themselves in danger every day they go to work. People are dying. How can anyone think now is the time to gather in large numbers and expose poll workers (usually retired seniors) to so many people? Please delay your vote until the June 3rd meeting so we can have this election with the state primary September 1. That way, we will get insight from the state experts on how to carry it off safely, limit our exposure to the disease by only having ONE election and not two, AND save the town tens of thousands of dollars. Thank you again for your efforts. They are appreciated!! Stay safe, Laura Wilson Bay State Road 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:L Shapiro <lshimberg1@msn.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 4:08 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Having a special election for any reason that is not life threatening in this environment is irresponsible . Please give yourself enough time weigh expert public health opinions be delaying your vote. Laura Shapiro RN, MEd, MSN 48 Park Ave, Reading Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Rebecca Bailey Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 4:12 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Postpone vote on recall election To the Select Board: I don’t support the recall effort against Vanessa Alvarado *at all* and feel that she should be allowed to finish out her term, which ends this coming spring, and run for re-election (or not) at that time, which is a perfect chance for Reading’s voters to have their say on her performance as a Select Board member. Personally, I feel she has done a fine job and has Reading’s best interests at heart at all times. However, I understand there is pressure on you all to move forward with a vote on setting a recall election. So, I’m writing to ask that you not vote until at least your June 3 meeting. If you wait on the vote until at least then, it would bring September 1 within the range of dates on which the recall election could be scheduled. If you vote sooner than that, September 1 would be outside the date range for the recall to be scheduled. Why September 1? There is a state primary election already scheduled and happening on September 1. If the recall were held simultaneously with the primary, it would save the town a great deal of money because we wouldn’t have to stage and pay for *two* entirely separate elections. In addition, delaying the election just a few weeks would allow us to get guidelines from public health experts on how to best handle such an event during the current COVID-19 pandemic, with the best practices. This would also save us from exposing workers and voters *twice* in such a short span of time. I would hope that even those who are spearheading the recall effort would appreciate having the opportunity to save the town a large amount of money (isn’t it always a primary concern how the town is spending our tax dollars?), as well as the attempt to protect the health of all Reading’s voters and poll workers. In sum, please strongly consider the September 1 option when deciding when and how to move forward with your vote on the recall. I greatly appreciate all of you for your service to our town and your thoughtful approach to issues we are facing, especially during this unprecedented pandemic. Thank you again for your willingness to serve and for working in the best interests of Reading. We are all indebted to you! Sincerely, Rebecca Bailey Forest Glen Rd 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Ralph Preston <ralph.preston@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 4:32 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:No vote Greetings, Please don’t cave to the extremists demanding a Vanessa Recall vote. They are reckless and irresponsible for demanding a costly recall election at this time. I fully support you NOT voting on the recall election. If a recall election is required then it should be combined with the state election in September. Please keep Reading safe and sane. Thank you, Ralph Preston 86 West Street Reading, MA 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:cynthia <cynthlily@hotmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 4:57 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Special election I am against having an election to replace a select person Why endanger people’s lives and spend all That money Please wait until the election happening in September Sincerely Cynthia Meuse 3 Elderberry Lane Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Michelle Mullet <michelle.mullet@icloud.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 5:11 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Delay the recall vote and save lives! Hello Selectboard Members, I strongly urge you to delay this ridiculous recall special election to match up with the next June regular Election already scheduled this year. We are in the middle of a global pandemic, a healthcare crisis that has killed more people than the Vietnam war. Don’t endanger the lives of everyday citizens for a vengeful and unwarranted special election. If this happens, many more will die because of their unnecessary exposure to the COVID 19 virus. This is a simple ask. Save lives, save money and think about long term consequences to our community. As a candidate for State Representative, I hope you will do the right thing. In this together, Michelle Mullet Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Theresa Wiggins Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 5:26 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please wait Dear Select Board Members, First, thank you for your effort and dedication to the town and its citizens during this unprecedented time. You have helped to keep us informed and seem to be taking necessary precautions to keep us all safe. That being said, I am writing today to urge you to wait until June 3rd to vote on having a recall election. If you vote prior to June 3rd, per the Town Charter, (and if the recall election is held) this will require us as a town to hold two elections within weeks of each other (the Special Election as well as the State Election in September). Having 2 elections increases the risk of contracting or spreading Covid 19 for thousands of people, unnecessarily. I know that the health of your citizens is important to you, so I urge you to account for our well being when you consider this request. Secondly, holding two elections within such a short period of time, would be fiscally irresponsible - and I know that you all are interested in making prudent choices for us financially. Thanks again for all of your hard word and dedication to the Town of Reading. Sincerely, Theresa Wiggins 61 Terrace Park 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:e.g.lenart@verizon.net Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 5:41 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:June 3rd vote Dear Members of the Selectboard, Thank you for all your service to the Town of Reading. I am writing not just to thank you but to ask that you not vote until June 3 regarding the recall of Vanessa Alvarado. It is unnecessary by voting Wednesday, to create 2 elections so close to each other. The risks to public health and the costs of two elections are important reasons not to hold an extra election. By September’s State election, we will have better guidelines on how to safely hold an election. I am sorry to hear that there are residents trying to force the Selectboard to act against the best interests and safety of our community. You all give so generously of your time. You are much appreciated. Stay safe. Warm regards, Ellen Lenart Precinct 6 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Geoffrey Coram Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 6:52 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall election? Dear Select Board members: I am writing to say that I am opposed to scheduling a recall election against Vanessa Alvarado. In particular, I think it is imprudent to schedule the election before the open hearing by the Board of Registrars concerning the objections raised against signatures. Further, it seems best, from both a cost and a pandemic exposure perspective, if this election - if it has to happen - could be held alongside the state primary on September 1. Personally, I do not see justification for the recall attempt. I agree with Mr. Newman's (Ms. Alvarado's counsel) point: "Just as the charter is silent on the process through which the Town Manager arrives at his appointment, it is silent on the process through which the Select Board may arrive at their decision to ratify or not. It does not limit the Select Board's authority to ask questions of the Town Manager, to inquire about the qualifications of the selected candidate or others, or to otherwise work to establish confidence in the selection for the Board and the community." I will concede that I am more familiar with the operations of the School Committee, and when I compare policies, I do not understand the recall supporters' complaint. Just as the town charter specifies that the Select Board appoints the town manager, the charter also specifies that the School Committee appoints the superintendent. Whereas the town charter explicitly grants the Select Board the authority to confirm the selection of the Chief of Police, the charter does not actually provide such an explicit authority to the School Committee regarding any positions below the superintendent. However, I think no one would argue that the SC violates the charter by being involved in ratifying the selections of the assistant superintendent, finance director, pupil services (special education) director, or principals. In fact, SC policy (CBBA/GCEBA) explicitly states that the SC will be involved in those hires; I would be surprised if an approved policy violates the charter. And I feel many parents, would be upset if the superintendent made those hires without input from the SC, parents, and/or community. Correspondingly, I do not believe that Ms. Alvarado violated the charter by her involvement in the selection process for the Chief of Police. Let me also add that I appreciate your efforts, as elected volunteers, to make this town a better place and look out for the welfare of all residents. Sincerely, Geoffrey Coram 31 Ridge Rd. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:David DiGiammarino <david.digi@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 7:07 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:AGAINST voting on the recall election at present To whom it may concern, Given all that’s going on, it is ridiculous to hold a special election, when we have an election in September. If there needs to be a recall vote, let’s do it then. Let’s keep our town employees and volunteers safe! It’s ridiculous to have two elections within weeks of each other in the midst of the most severe health crisis that anyone alive has ever seen. Please do not vote against our community’s health and wellness for a special election that - if needed - can be combined with September’s election. Thanks, David ------ David DiGiammarino m: 202-215-7423 Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:patricia jean <pattyjean100@hotmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 7:41 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Thank You. Patricia Munn 37 Frank Tanner Drive Apt. 1 Reading, MA 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:J Ross <jccjulie@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 7:46 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Concerns re: Recall Election Dear Members of the Select Board, I am reaching out to request that you do not schedule a recall election at your meeting on 5/27 since we are still very much in the midst of a pandemic. I am extremely concerned about the risks for residents and poll workers, many of whom need to be protected and not face unnecessary exposure. Our phased reopen will only proceed under certain circumstances in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and there is no timeline, only benchmarks to reach, which are all fluid. Voting now to hold a a special election in spite of this approach would be irresponsible. We should take the lead from our Governor and exercise caution for the safety of all residents, first responders and healthcare workers. While I think this recall effort is completely unworthy of our tax dollars (a price tag of $20-30k is tough to justify when we know for certain that money is tight due to massive cuts in funding from the state) and driven by partisan politics, I find it incomprehensible that we would consider holding an election prior to the State Primary on September 1, when in reality, we do not know what our daily lives will look like 2 weeks or 2 months from now. It would be best for Reading to refocus on our priorities and it is my hope that you share my concerns. Thank you, Julie Ross Kensington Ave. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Michele Sanphy Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 8:02 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall Election vote Dear Select Board, I hope this email finds you and your family members healthy. Thank you for the work you have been doing during these unprecedented times! It is truly appreciated! I am writing as the wife of a health care worker who has had to be tested twice for COVID-19 and continues to work with patients who are ill from this virus. Also, two of our extended family members have very recently recovered from COVID- 19. Our sister-in-law is back at work at the Brigham and Women Hospital caring for patients who have tested positive. This virus does not discriminate and everyone has a loved one, neighbor or friend who has been impacted. The death toll is creeping towards 100,000. Until there is a reliable vaccine, we are all living in a time where we have to find our own personal level of comfort and move forward in life with this virus. I am requesting the board to seriously consider postponing your vote regarding a recall election to your meeting on June 3. Streamlining of resources will save money and reduce the risk of exposure to the voting public.The reasoning is threefold: It would allow for more time to examine the changing guidelines from the public health experts on how to han dle such an event with the best practices to ensure the safety of the public. In addition, if a vote is taken on June 3, it would allow a recall election to be combined with the September 1 state election. Eliminating two separate elections minimizes the risk of exposure. The risk would be reduced by 50%. We in Reading are fortunate to have a healthy rainy-day fund. However, we do not know how long it will take for our economy to recover, what future state aid will be available or the total cost/impact COVID 19 will have on Reading's municipal and school budgets.The cost of a special election for a recall would fall somewhere in the range of $20,000-$30,000. If I may, it seems more prudent to combine a recall vote with the September 1 state election and avoid spending $20,000 - $30,000 during this time. Thank you for taking the time to read my email and for your consideration. Sincerely, Michele Sanphy 75 Glenmere Circle Town Meeting Member Precinct Six 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Leigh Aird <leigh.ja.aird@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 8:30 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:NO RECALL VOTE THIS MEETING Good evening Reading Select Board, I am against voting on the recall election at this week's meeting. Delaying a vote on this until the June 3rd election would allow the town to hold this election at the same time as the already scheduled state election on September 1st. Any election that requires a gathering of a large number of people in a confined spac e is a risky endeavor so there is absolutely no reason to create two separate occurrences of this just to satisfy some small minded people. It will also save the town from having to pay for a second election. For what it is worth, I am completely against this recall in the first place and fully support the Select Board as elected. I am sorry that some of my neighbors have so much hate and anger especially during this incredibly stressful and sad time. Stay safe and sane! Kind regards, Leigh Aird 158 Howard St 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Elaine Webb Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 8:36 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Against the Select Board Voting this week on Recall Elections Chair of SelectBoard Select Board Members A special election in this COVID-19 environment it unconscionably irresponsible. Any action by the Board that pushes us int this direction is unadvised and I am against such action. As I understand the situation voting this Wednesday will mean that the special election cannot be combined with the September election. It is with respect and the utmost focus on public health that I express my perspective and ask the Board to wait until June 3rd to take a vote. If the Select Board votes this week you will be putting lives at risk. The lives of our election workers and our community members who hold scared their right, privilege and responsibility to VOTE. Though the financial impacts of a special election are an order of magnitude less than the health issues, they are also significant. It is fiscally irresponsible to hold a special election, when this matter can be adde to the ballot for the scheduled September election. I ask you to prioritize health and safety and vote on the special election on June 3rd so that it can be held coincident to the schedule election in September and in this way minimize the risks to our town and volunteer election staff as well as the community at large. Sincerely, Elaine Elaine L. Webb 309 Pearl Street Reading MA 01867 (781) 307-1226 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:William Finch Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 8:55 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall election To the Board: Please consider delaying your vote on whether to recommend a recall vote for Vanessa Alvarado till June 3. If you agree, then we can combine the recall vote with the September 1 election. The expense and danger of a special election is unwarranted at this time. Thank you, Will 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Michelle Edson <edson7.me@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 9:13 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Cc:Michelle Edson Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/20. I think it is a travesty that it has not been done already and you are using the covid 19 as an excuse!! Signed, Michelle Edson Kenneth rd Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Carl Nelson <kurchian@mac.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 9:19 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:No special election! Hello, I am strongly opposed to scheduling a special election for the recall. If the board feels it necessary to have a special election let’s wait until September we are it will not cost extra money and not require that people are put at risk. Thank you, Carl Nelson 24 Kurchian Ln. Reading 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Jay Wallace <jayrwallace@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 9:56 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Don’t vote on recall election until June Do not vote on a recall election until June 3rd. Voting now will require a separate recall election before the September state elections. This will unnecessarily put people in danger of spreading coronavirus and likely cause people to die. It will also needlessly cost the town tens of thousands of dollars that can otherwise be saved, a minor concern considering the above. Thank you for your time and I ask you to be brave in the face of a vocal few who would put the people of Reading in danger because of their hurt feelings. Jay Wallace 82 Forest St Reading Ma 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Joseph Carnahan Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 10:23 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Prioritizing Reading residents' health before deciding whether or not to vote on the date of the special election Dear Select Board Members, I see that "Consider voting to set the date" of the recall election is on the agenda for the Select Board meeting on May 27. I am sure that you all are doing your best to consider all the factors in deciding when to vote on this important issue. However, I wanted to highlight one factor and ask you to consider it first and foremost, namely the health and safety of Reading residents. As I understand it, if you vote on the date of the recall election at your meeting on June 3, then you will be able to make the election coincide with the Massachusetts primary election that is already scheduled for September 1. This would mean that Reading residents and our election staff would only need to congregate once to do our civic duty, not twice, and thus the risk of spreading COVID-19 in Reading would be significantly reduced. Holding a second election is also very expensive (something like $30,000?), and so there is an obvious fiscal reason to postpone the vote on the date as well. However, when it comes to scheduling an election, no consideration compares with consideration for the safety of voters and poll workers, does it? Thank you for carefully considering this issue and for everything that you and all other volunteers do for the Town of Reading. Sincerely, Joseph Carnahan 352 West St 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Carolyn Whiting Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 11:38 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please Delay Recall Election Vote Dear Select Board Members, I am writing to respectfully request that the Select Board vote regarding the proposed recall election be delayed to no earlier than June 3, 2020. First of all, I don't think that it is wise to schedule a special election during a pandemic, and, secondly, because of the estimated election cost of $20,000-30,000, I advocate for scheduling the special election, if held, to coincide with the state election on September 1 to reduce the total cost and to allow time to get guidelines from public health experts about the best way to hold such elections safely during a pandemic. Thank you for your careful deliberation regarding this matter. Sincerely, Carolyn R. Whiting 17 Chestnut Road Reading MA 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:john catalogna <johncat2@verizon.net> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 1:21 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the public comment portion of your 5/27 meeting, at the start of the meeting.] Signed, [NAME] [ADDRESS] Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Annemarie C. Cory Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 6:42 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Call for special election Dear Select Board, I have recently become aware of the demand that you vote on whether to hold a special election to recall one of your members. I respectfully ask that you delay that vote until at least the June 3rd meeting to allow this election to be held in conjunction with the planned state election on Sept 3. Holding this election at a different time will cost the town an additional 20-30 thousand dollars and will put poll workers and voters at unnecessary risk at a time when COVID-19 is still virulent and a very real risk. My husband and I support your efforts to delay this vote. Please delay until at least June 3. Respectfully, Annemarie and David Cory Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Ann Cruickshank Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:15 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Potential Recall Election Dear Reading Select Board Members, Thank you for continuing to serve the Town of Reading during this challenging time and for managing to do so in a way that is safe for all of us. It is important that our town continue to conduct business even in these unprecedented circumstances. That being said I urge you, for the sake of safety and fiscal responsibility NOT to vote on the issue of a recall election for Ms. Alvarado at the Select Board meeting on Wednesday, May27th, 2020. Instead, I implore you to wait until the June 3rd meeting to vote on this issue. It is my understanding that by waiting just one week to make this important decision a potential recall election could be combined with the MA state primary on September 1st. The town will not only save money by not holding two elections but will also save Reading residents and election workers from exposure to COVID-19 twice in a short period of time. Best Regards, Ann Cruickshank 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Dan Aird <daniel.aird@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:18 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Special election Greetings, I wanted to email to inform you that I am against the idea of having a recall election against Vanessa Alvarado, because it is going to cost the town $20-$30,000 and would force people to vote in the middle of a pandemic which I think is very unsafe and ludicrous. We should not have any additional elections other than the state wide one on September 1 and the national election. Please do not have a special election for an unneeded recall vote. Thanks and have a great day. Dan Aird 158 Howard Street Reading MA Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:parks_family5@comcast.net Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:49 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall vote To the members of the Selectboard, I want to state that I do not support the recall effort against Vanessa Alvarado. She should be allowed to finish out her term, which ends this coming spring, and run for re-election if she so chooses at that time. This is the system in place for Reading’s voters to have their say on her performance as a Select Board member. Personally, I feel she has done a fine job and has Reading’s best interests at heart at all times. The push for the recall has an air of vindictiveness and an attempt to intimidate. It will discourage others from volunteering their talents to our town and we will all lose. I understand there are those pressuring you to move forward with a vote on setting a recall election. So, I’m writing to ask that you not vote until at least your June 3 meeting. If you wait on the vote until at least then, it would bring September 1 within the range of dates on which the recall election could be scheduled. If you vote sooner than that, September 1 would be outside the date range for the recall to be scheduled. There is a state primary election already scheduled and happening on September 1. If the recall were held simultaneously with the primary, it would save the town a substantial amount of money because we would not have to stage and pay for two entirely separate elections. With the loss of revenues at all levels during this pandemic this needs to be a consideration. In addition, delaying the election just a few weeks would allow us to get crucial guidelines from public health experts on how to best handle such an event during the current COVID-19 pandemic, with the best practices. Our elections are staffed primarily by the elder residents of our town, people who are at a far greater risk. Their safety needs to be of paramount consideration in moving forward. This would also save us from exposing workers and voters twice in such a short span of time. I would hope that even those who are spearheading the recall effort would value the opportunity to save the town a large sum of money during these fiscally trying times, as well as the attempt to protect the health of all Reading’s voters and poll workers. So I ask you to please strongly consider the September 1 option when deciding when and how to move forward with your vote on the recall. I truly appreciate all of you for your service to our town and your thoughtful approach to the issues we are facing, especially during this unprecedented pandemic. Thank you again for your willingness to serve and for working in the best interests of Reading. Sincerely yours, Christine Parks 35 Hancock St. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Nicole Barletta <nrbarletta@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 8:02 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Signed, Nicole Barletta 28 Fox Run Lane 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:John Breslin <breslijo@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 8:32 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. One of those signatures was mine and it was also one of the falsely accused signatures of not being legitimate! Please prioritize this work and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Thank you Signed, John Breslin, 99 Curtis St, Precinct 3 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Heather McLean <hksmclean@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:00 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please delay vote on Recall Election Dear Select Board members- I am writing to respectfully ask you to delay your vote on the recall election due to health, safety, and fiscal reasons at this time. I do not believe that it is in the town's best interest to move forward with this recall vote at all, however particularly due to health and safety reasons, we should not be pushing this issue at present. Respectfully, Heather McLean 20 Green St. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Kathleen Goldlust Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:21 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall Election vote Dear members of the Reading Select Board, I applaud your work and time spent working with our Board of Health, town departments and others to ensure we are upholding the medical health of our residents and financial health of businesses.The priority of the Select Board at this time should be the health and safety of the citizens. Plain and simple. If there are opportunities to combine any potential recall election with the September 1st state election, it will reduce exposure of town employees and citizens and is the responsible thing to do. I have to believe a majority of citizens would not want to increase their risk by coming out to vote more than necessary nor increase exposure for poll station staff. If safety isn't enough, it will save tax payers the cost of set up and staffing of two polling dates. As a member of Town Meeting, at last memory, I do not recall Reading having excess budget prior to COVID-19 impacting our economy and would again think that the financially responsible recommendation from this Board should be to save thousands of dollars and not consider pushing forward with two separate elections within weeks of each other. While I'm not in support, in any way, of a recall vote of Vanessa Alvarado's Select Board seat I would like to ask that the vote to set the date for a recall election be delayed until at least June 3rd to allow for a combined election in September. This is a more than reasonable request in these circumstances. 2 Sincerely, Kate Goldlust Spruce Road 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:cmsmailer@civicplus.com on behalf of Contact form at Reading MA <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:33 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:[Reading MA] Special Election During A Health Crisis (Sent by Christina Eckenroth, Ceckenroth249@gmail.com) Hello Select Board, Christina Eckenroth (Ceckenroth249@gmail.com) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/contact) at Reading MA. If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/edit. Message: Dear Select Board: I am writing regarding the push for a special election to recall Vanessa Alvarado. I hope that the Select Board would reconsider holding such an election until further consensus is reached regarding the safety of such an event for both those voting and those working the polls. I am an active voter and intend to vote in all upcoming elections however I have very strong reservations about this proposed special election. Many volunteers at the polls are in a high risk category for COVID-19, the response to the health pandemic and the safety of citizens should be paramount. As a voter, I do not feel comfortable shifting Town resources to a special event that exposes our voters and polling staff to unwarranted exposure. I ask that the Select Board consider options to combine this election with already scheduled elections so as to avoid additional exposure for voters and workers as well as added expense to the budget. Sincerely, Christina Eckenroth 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:maria o'callaghan <mariaocall@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 10:02 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:AGAINST special election I want to voice my concern about holding a special recall election in a few weeks rather than 9/1. Most of our volunteers during elections are senior citizens. This is not the time to ask them, or anyone to congregate in a polling place. It is unnecessary and puts vulnerable people at risk. The argument that people who don’t want to be put at risk can stay home is unfair. Vulnerable people have as much of a right to vote as those less at risk. The cost to hold the election(s) needs to be considered as well. We simply don’t have that kind of excess. The money will have to be taken from somewhere that is likely already stretched thin. Thanks for your hard work Maria O’Callaghan Woburn St. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:cmsmailer@civicplus.com on behalf of Contact form at Reading MA <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 10:19 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:[Reading MA] Election date (Sent by R. Michael McSweeney, rmichaelm@gmail.com) Hello Select Board, R. Michael McSweeney (rmichaelm@gmail.com) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/contact) at Reading MA. If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/edit. Message: Dear Select Board Members: I understand that is necessary for the SB to set a date for the recall election. I urge you to undertake a thorough discussion with the Town Clerk and Board of Health at the 5/27 meeting to choose a date that makes sense in these unprecedented pandemic times. Voting for the date of the special election at the next SB meeting, 6/3, brings 9/1 within the range of dates on which the recall election can be scheduled. Scheduling the recall election on the same day as the state primary saves the town money and protects poll workers from having to staff an additional election. The SB's effort to carefully consider this untimely and ill conceived election is greatly appreciated by me and many other Reading residents (and there are many of us)! Thank you for working in the best interests of Reading. R. Michael McSweeney, 15 Orchard Park Drive, Reading 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Jessica Kaufman <jessica.kaufman@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 10:18 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Delay vote on recall election Dear Reading Select Board, Our town has made many changes to protect its citizens during this unprecedented crisis. We have given up graduation, Memorial Day celebrations, and in-person meetings to protect the health of the town's citizens. Please consider the current conditions as you schedule a vote on the recall election. An additional election is a dangerous and unnecessary risk. Proceeding with a recall on the date of the state election in September would avoid an election over the summer. There is still active community transmission in Massachusetts and it is unlikely that we will see a steep enough reduction in cases to make an election before September safe. Sincerely, Jessica Kaufman, PhD 34 Francis Drive Reading, MA 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:David Greenfield <dcgreenfield55@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 11:00 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Regarding Special Election Select Board, I strongly urge you to not support the call for a special election. The action cited for justifying a new vote does not warrant a new vote, the cost would be a waste of taxpayer money and an election would be putting workers and the voting public at risk without sufficient justification. In addition, this rush for a special election has the appearance of being intentionally rushed with the strategy being, few would turn out to vote in a special election and a high likelihood of only those motivated by the minority group would show up to vote. It could easily produce an unfair and misrepresented outcome. I urge you to decline to support a Special Election request. Sincerely, David Greenfield 192 Woburn St. Reading, MA Precinct 5 Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Ron Fotino <ron.fotino@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 11:31 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall election Members of the Select Board, I hope this message finds you all healthy and safe. I am writing to ask that you Select Board members do your duty per the Town Charter, and set the date for the Recall Election as a priority at your May 27th meeting. The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to you on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. That is a strong message from the community which you have been elected to represent. We are now looking to you to take the next step in the process as the Charter requires. Thank you, Ron Fotino 244 Haverhill St. Reading 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Kim Myatt <kamyatt@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 11:37 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Voting AGAINST recall election at this time First, please accept my sincere gratitude to all of you for everything you do for the community. Thank you. I write now to ask that the Select Board please vote against a recall election at this time. Holding a superfluous election during a global pandemic is irresponsible both fiscally and medically. I have two children, one of whom suffers a chronic, incurable, life threatening illness and am sincerely worried we are not only putting people like him and all of our residents at risk unnecessarily, but we may also be over-stretching our much- needed resources as is. Please consider a slight delay as a reasonable request. Yours Sincerely, Kim Myatt Proud Reading Resident & Mother of Two 22 Woodward Ave 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Dennis Dorandi <dorandidennis22@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 12:12 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the public comment portion of your 5/27 meeting, at the start of the meeting.] Signed, [NAME] [ADDRESS] 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Emily KQ Sisson <quinn.emily@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 12:20 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Special Election Dear Chairman Dockser and all, First and foremost, thank you all for your selfless volunteerism and thoughtful navigation of this public health crisis. I'd imagine that these times are more challenging than most. I feel lucky to live in a town where so many people are giving of their time and patience. I am a member of the recreation committee and soon-to-be-sworn-in Town Meeting member representing precinct 2. I have two children, a second-grader at Killam school and a Pre-Kindergartner at Little Treasures. I have been a Reading resident for 32 of my 36 years. Over the past several days, I've seen a resurgence on social media pushing for the holding of a special election to recall selectwoman Alvarado. From what I understand, if you are to vote to hold such an election in the next SB meeting, it would require that the election occur in advance of the September 1st state election, thereby requiring 2 elections in as many months. If my understanding of this situation is correct, I would like to note my objection. I have had the pleasure of working with selectwoman Alvarado through my position on the recreation committee. Of course, we do not always see eye to eye on topics, but I have long admired her commitment to thoughtfully listening to all sides of an argument. And, while I am fundamentally against the recall election that is being requested, I fully understand and support my fellow taxpayers' right to ask for one. In the past, Laura Gemme has noted that a given election can cost the town between $20-$30,000. As a taxpayer, it would be my strong preference to delay any special election to coincide with the upcoming state election in September. Fiscally, it seems the responsible thing to do. But, more importantly, I object to the ASAP nature of this request on a public health basis. I have a master's degree in biostatistics and work for the Boston University School of Public Health as a statistical analyst. It is, quite literally, my job to follow and understand data surrounding public health concerns such as COVID-19. Recently, a study of asymptomatic metro Boston area residents showed that approximately 1 in 38 people has an active COVID-19 virus and does not know it. As a healthy, not-medically-high-risk adult with 2 healthy, not-medically-high-risk children, this number sounds great to me. It means that all the measures that have been put in place, while annoying and socially crippling, are working. My family and I will continue to limit our interactions with the world in the event that we are a part of that statistic. But who are the people that staff the polls? Our retired community, generally. A big risk factor for a poor outcome of COVID-19 so far as we can tell at this moment is age -- 65+ specifically. Assuming that the number above holds true, and assuming that this special election draws 4,000 people (which seems a low ball based on the last few town elections), that is exposing our poll workers to 105 asymptomatic, infected people. If my father were working the polls, it would be too much exposure my liking. Does this number give you pause, too? The difficulty with COVID-19 is that the medical community is learning more about the virus every day while simultaneously healing the sick with barely sufficient resources. With the reopening of business in the coming weeks, as a person immersed in public health data, I can assure you there will be a surge in cases as restrictions ease. Increasingly, 2 it seems that outdoor interactions are low risk. But indoor, extended interactions where air is recirculated are a much higher risk of transmission. "We can wait in line at market basket, we can wait in line at the polls," is a common argument. Yes, the risk will be low to voters. But our poll workers, our volunteers, and our police will be in that space for hours. Their risk will be highest. The key to good public health is mitigating risk. As elected officials, I implore you to help mitigate this risk by combining any special election with an existing election to reduce our poll workers' exposure to once instead of twice. Further, the trajectory of COVID-19 will be more clear by September giving state and local officials time to implement a safer, lower- risk election plan. The most difficult part about working in public health is that when you do your job right, no one gets sick. And then everyone says, "See? Nothing happened!" And that, my fellow citizens, is exactly the point. Thank you for your time and consideration. Emily Sisson 92 John St Recreation Committee Town Meeting Precinct 2 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:jdrup12 <jdrup12@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 12:28 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the public comment portion of your 5/27 meeting, at the start of the meeting.] Signed, [NAME] James D Reynolds, Judith D Reynolds [ADDRESS] 8 Vine street, Reading MA 01867 Jreynolds@austinprep.org Jdrup12@gmail.com Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S7. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Diane McLean <mcleadiane@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 1:32 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall vote Hello, I hope everyone is well and healthy. Please do not vote on the recall election this Wednesday. Please wait until the June 3rd meeting. We should not have a separate special election during a pandemic. It's expensive to the taxpayers and dangerous. I appreciate your attention to this matter and sorry you have to deal with this. Thank you Diane McLean 20 Green Street 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Tricia Kascak <tkascak11@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 1:56 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Against Voting on the Recall Election Dear Select board members, I'm writing to state that I'm against a special election in the midst of Covid19. It is an unnecessary and irresponsible health risk to have poll workers and the larger community in close proximity to one another. Also, the cost to the town would be a waste of money given that there is another election in the near future. In these times, there is no credible need for a special election that is worth more than the well being of Reading residents. I urge you to do what is right for the greater community. Thank you. I wish you and your families the best of health. Sincerely, Tricia Kascak 17 Winthrop Ave, Reading, MA 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Liz Sullivan <liz.w.sullivan@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 2:03 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please wait until June 3rd to vote Good afternoon, I understand there is considerable pressure on the Select Board to vote on setting a recall election for Vanessa Alvarado. I am writing to ask that you not vote until at least your June 3 meeting. By scheduling the vote for June 3rd (at the earliest), it would be possible to schedule the recall election to coincide with the state election that will be held on September 1. If the recall were held simultaneously with the state primary, it would save the town a great deal of money. In addition, this could allow us to get guidelines from public health experts on how to best handle such an event during the current COVID-19 pandemic, with the best practices. This would also save us from exposing workers and voters twice in such a short span of time. Thank you so much for all of your hard work for our town. Liz Sullivan Weston Rd 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Jason Myatt <jpmyatt@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 3:12 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:please delay recall vote Hello- It has come to my attention that a vote to recall Select Board member Vanessa Alvarado is planned, and I'd like to request that this be delayed to the June 3 meeting, given the current challenges with managing risks to the spread of COVID-19. Thank you Jason Myatt 22 Woodward Ave 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Kristen MacGlashing <kristen.orvis@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 3:16 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall vote opposition Hello, I am writing to voice my opposition to holding special election to recall Vanessa Alvarez at this time. I believe it puts the public at risk and costs our town unnecessary money. Holding a recall vote in September when elections are already occurring is more reasonable. Thank you, Kristen MacGlashing 265 Ash Street Reading MA 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Matthew Hemberger <mhemberger@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 3:52 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall Hi. I've been trying to find more information to provide context to the discussion around scheduling an emergency recall election, because at face value it seems like the impetus for the recall boils down to "sour grapes" on the part of Select Board Chair Alvarado's detractors. Under the current circumstances, even if there was merit to the perceived offence, in the absence of malicious or financially driven intent, putting our community at risk seems grievously irresponsible. I implore you to respect the confidence that Reading voters have placed in their elected board members above what seems to be a vendetta by a select few residents, and not jeopardize the health and well being of our community. Thank you. Matt Hemberger Reading resident for 6 years 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Connie Quackenbush <conniequackenbush@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 4:20 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:AGAINST the Special Election Dear Select Board Members, I'm writing to you as a reading resident and a town teacher. I want to state that I'm against a special election due to extra risks in the midst of Covid19 and the added financial burden on our community. It is an unnecessary and irresponsible health risk to have poll workers and the larger community in close proximity to one another. Also, the cost to the town would be a waste of money given that it could be combined with another election. In these times, there is no credible need for a special election that is worth more than the well being of Reading residents. I urge you to do what is right for the greater community. And I urge you to not allow a divisive and small component of our community to split us now, at a time when we need to come together. As a teacher, we teach our students to be respectful of differing opinions and I suggest that we can do our best by following this advice. For the past few months, families and school personnel have been working diligently to do what is best for the health and well being of our community. The country has been wrangling with the same issues. Requests for actions such as these show a lack of thoughtful consideration. We have elected you to be that thoughtful and brave voice to do what is best for Reading. I hope that you keep that in the forefront of your mind when you deliberate and decide this important choice. Thank you. I wish you and your families the best of health. Sincerely, Constance Quackenbush 17 Winthrop Ave, Reading, MA 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Lindsay Baker <lelbaker@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 4:25 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Regarding recall election vote (Reading Resident Against) Hello, I am writing to share my voice as a resident of Reading. I do not think it is wise to vote on holding a recall election at this Wednesday’s meeting. I ask the select board to please delay this vote until your June 3rd meeting so that the board of health and other pertinent public health experts may be consulted so that you all can be informed on how such a vote would be undertaken so ensure the safety of the members of this town (both poll workers, many of whom are senior citizens, and all voting members of the town) during a global pandemic during which our state has been one of the hardest hit of our nation. Please exercise caution for the safety of us all. We still don’t know how the recent reopening measures will affect our infection rates. Please delay this vote for our health and safety. Please also consider that should this vote be allowed to go forward in any case - even if you wait and vote at your June meeting - please try to combine it with another already scheduled voting day to minimize the risk of Reading residents congregating en masse to vote and to save our town the money it costs to hold a special vote. I know many residents who would appreciate you considering our tax dollars at this financially devastating time. Thank you for your consideration. Lindsay Baker 236 Grove St. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Dianne Kennedy <ennaid@earthlink.net> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 5:05 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall Election Dear Members of the Select Board, Thank you for continuing to work for the Town of Reading during this very difficult time. I hope this email finds you well, and I appreciate your efforts to keep Reading residents safe. Frankly, it seems absurd to me that there is a group of citizens asking for the recall election of Vanessa Alvarado. I cannot understand their reasoning. Vanessa has always been kind, informed, and attentive in my interactions with her, and I consider her a very valuable member of the Board. However, if this election must take place, the only sensible day to have it is on September 1 with the State Primary. To try and have an election now, amidst this very active pandemic, seems rash. As a poll worker and a senior citizen, I would be very concerned about the spread of the coronavirus. Not only that, but what about the cost to the Town? I am sure that $20,000 or more could be used in a much better way. I urge you to wait and vote to hold the election in September, while using the time between now and then to plan for an election that will keep voters safe. Sincerely, Dianne Kennedy Town Meeting Member Precinct 5 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:cmsmailer@civicplus.com on behalf of Contact form at Reading MA <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 5:06 PM To:Saunders, Caitlin Subject:[Reading MA] Recall (Sent by Steven C Kiley, stevekiley@verizon.net) Hello csaunders, Steven C Kiley (stevekiley@verizon.net) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.readingma.gov/users/csaunders/contact) at Reading MA. If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.readingma.gov/user/281/edit. Message: The Select Board needs to set a date for a recall election. I was one of the people who they said didn't qualify as a signature. I have lived in Reading since 1971. This just proves to me that she needs to face re-election. There is no time like the present for this to happen now. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Angela F. Binda Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 5:28 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Setting date for recall petition Dear Chairman Dockser and Members of the Select Board, I am writing to request that you schedule the recall election, which is on your agenda for the 5/27/20 Select Board Meeting, for September 1, 2020, as was first suggested by Town Counsel Ray Miyares at a recent meeting. This would be in compliance with the Town Charter, and it would hopefully allow the Board of Registrars sufficient time to hold the hearing they have committed to have, to review the petition challenges submitted by Select Board Member Vanessa Alvarado. It would be most cost effective for the Town, and easiest for citizens of Reading, considering the current pandemic. The recall election should be scheduled to coincide with the state primary election on September 1, for all of these reasons. Recall petitions and elections are relatively rare in Massachusetts, but can take 6 months to a year to play out, with petition challenges and law suits costing towns tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and employee time. The Town Clerk has estimated that a special recall election will cost the town $20K - $30K. At a time of such financial difficulties for the Town and with so many individuals losing their jobs and facing financial uncertainty, saving costs for this election should be considered. And as the process has been started, Select Board Member Alvarado needs to be afforded the time to defend herself fully against the (specious) allegations against her. Ms. Alvarado has a right to due process. A sooner date might not allow the challenges to proceed fully. And scheduling the recall election for September 1 would be compliant with the process outlined in the Town Charter, according to Town Counsel Miyares. I have read social media posts and letters (in SB packets) asking you, the Select Board, to do your job, as the signature collectors did theirs. I hope that you do your job with more integrity than they did theirs. I was truly disturbed by what I witnessed and heard of while the signatures were being gathered. I was deeply saddened to learn that members of the Reading Catholic Community were collecting signatures at a coffee social gathering after Mass, on church property, in March (during Lent), and were approaching church goers and telling people that they should sign because Ms. Alvarado was "from Cambridge," along with unconfirmed accusations and misleading information. This "significant problem" and these inappropriate actions were brought to the Parish Council's attention, as well as to Pastor Stephen Rock. The Parish Council "unanimously condemned these actions, which contradict the law and the policy of the Archdiocese." Fr. Rock spoke to the offending individuals, and publicly condemned the actions in a notice in the church bulletin. How truly sad that those petition gatherers subverted the message of a welcoming church gathering to foment ill feelings toward Ms. Alvarado. I was also saddened on Election Day in March, when I heard discussions between those collecting signatures, and those who stopped at the petition table. Citizens were being told the election would cost no mo re than $8K, and again I heard people told that Ms. Alvarado was "from Cambridge." One young woman, who appeared to be about 24 years old and was cradling a baby, stated, after hearing that Ms. Alvarado was from Cambridge, that she was fifth generation Reading, and if someone wasn't born in Reading, or didn't marry someone from Reading, then they had no business being in Reading. She then signed the petition, as Reading is "no place for outsiders." This reason, and many others having nothing to do with the text of the petition, were stated, for hours and hours, as reasons to sign the petition. On that day, I was ashamed to live in Reading. I believe that it is your job to be fair and thoughtful, and not to bow to the pressure of an angry and vocal minority who are attempting to pressure you to schedule an election as soon as possible in order to discourage voter turnout, in my opinion. I do not believe the majority of the citizens of Reading know much about the recall petition, or the 2 circumstances around it. I do not believe that those who signed the petition speak for the majority of Reading citizens. I believe the best time for all citizens to have a chance to weigh in on the effort to recall Select Board Member Alvarado would be during a general election. It is your duty and responsibility to act in the public interest, not in the interest of small and vocal minority that wishes to spend public resources for their own end. The health and safety of the citizens of Reading, fiscal prudence, fairness and equity for all parties, and adherence to the Town Charter, should be your utmost concerns when you decide the date of the election. Personally, my main concern at the moment is the pandemic with which we are struggling. I know it is yours also, and I appreciate the many hours you have spent working on Town business for the good of all the residents, town employees, and local businesses. I urge you to consider scheduling the recall election on September 1, 2020, for the benefit of all citizens of Reading. Sincerely, Angela F. Binda Town Meeting Member 10 Orchard Park Drive 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:anne_mark@verizon.net Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 5:17 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Vote re special election Dear Select Board members, First, thank you all so much for serving Reading as Board members--a generous gift of time, energy, and thought in normal circumstances, and even more so now. I appreciate your personal investment in guiding the Town. I understand that a vote is being requested for tomorrow that would result in Reading having two elections within weeks of each other. I urge you to take the vote on June 3 instead so that the elections can be combined. In the current situation, having people come together twice seems an unnecessary risk for voters and especially poll workers, who tend to be elders in our community. From what I see in the newspaper about Reading's finances, I feel strongly that the $20,000- $30,000 that would be spent on an extra election is sorely needed elsewhere. Please make public health and fiscal health the priority in deciding this issue. Sincerely yours, Anne Mark 284 Summer Ave. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Susanne Sullivan <susannesullivan1949@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 5:42 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please don't vote on recall effort until the June 3 meeting! Dear Reading Selectboard members - I am hoping you will have the courage to delay voting on the effort to recall Vanessa Alvarado until your June 3 meeting if, as I understand it, that will allow the recall election to take place simultaneously with a state election already scheduled to take place in September. I don't personally have any problem at all with Vanessa: I don't believe she or anyone else was responsible for unreasonable delay in the choosing of a person to lead the police department. I DO believe that those who believe otherwise and who worked to collect signatures to require a recall election are entitled to have their election, if that is what they want. What DOES trouble me is the possibility that the town would be required to fund two elections very near to each other in time, putting large numbers of older poll workers (and voters!) at risk in this time of social distancing. Please do the sensible thing and let this unfortunate election take place with the least degree of risk and difficulty for the town. Susanne Sullivan 134 Belmont Street Reading, MA 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Helena Johnson Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 5:43 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Voting on the recall election Dear Select Board, Whether you are for the recall or against, with a state election on September 1st, there is no reason to have another election before that. Staffing two elections doesn’t make sense financially, and it especially doesn’t make sense during a pandemic. Furthermore, most poll workers are seniors and that makes them high risk. We are only in phase one of re-opening and we do not have a definitive date on if, and when, we will even reach phase two. The bottom line is that, having an additional election is nonsensical, both financially and in regards to public health. I would urge you, the Select Board, to wait on voting for the recall election until your June 3rd meeting, so that the recall issue may be addressed during the September 1st election and eliminate the need for an additional election. In addition, I am not in support of the recall. I have read the charter and I see no reason for a recall to begin with. Also, with Vanessa’s term ending in the beginning of next year, it makes no sense. We will have an election then, and people can decide then, who they wish to support. Spending additional town money, and risking our resident’s lives, is not worth it and clearly wrong. Sincerely, Helena Johnson Town Meeting Member Precinct 5 Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:cmsmailer@civicplus.com on behalf of Contact form at Reading MA <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 5:46 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:[Reading MA] Recall (Sent by Kim Weafer, Kimweaf@yahoo.com) Hello Select Board, Kim Weafer (Kimweaf@yahoo.com) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/contact) at Reading MA. If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/edit. Message: To the Members of the Select Board, Do not call a special election during this unprecedented time to recall Vanessa Alvarado. Holding an election now is unnecessary, dangerous and reckless. I support the Board members and think you are doing a great job. I am sorry all of you have been put under a microscope by the most vocal members of our community. I thank you for your time and commitment to this town. You represent our town well. Thank you for your time, Kim Weafer 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Christine Magoon <christymagoon@me.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 5:50 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please - no recall election Dear Select Board of Reading, First of all, thank you for all that you do to help this town run smoothly. Please know that the residents of Reading appreciate your efforts and that, unfortunately, it is often the vocal minority that you hear from the most often. I understand that a group of Reading citizens are asking you to hold a recall election. For reasons of health and safety, financial constraints on the town budget, and fair and due process, I ask that you do NOT allow a recall election to happen. If there is a necessity to have a vote, please hold it on the State election in September. Please do not bend to this small vocal angry population in Reading at this moment. Thank you for your time and patience. Again, we appreciate all that you do, particularly in this challenging time. Best, Christy Magoon 350 Franklin St. Reading Sent from my iPad 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Amy Cole Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 5:54 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall Vote Dear Select Board members, I am writing to let you know that I am AGAINST having the board vote on the recall of member Vanessa Alvarado at this time. While I am extremely disappointed in the recall effort for many reasons, the primary reason I do not want the board to vote now is that we are in the midst of a pandemic. I don't see how we can safely hold an election in the near future. Holding a special election will not only add to the exposure of the public as well as town volunteers and staff, but it will also add to the cost incurred by the town. If delaying the Select Board vote just one week (to June 3rd) would allow us to hold the election at the same time as the state election in September, then the town will have more time to plan for a safe election and we will avoid exposing everyone twice. We will also save the town tens of thousands of dollars. I honestly can't see how combining these elections doesn't make absolute sense. I want to thank you all for your consideration of my letter and for your service to this town. I am especially sorry that you are being forced to focus on issues that are not in the best interest of the town, especially during these unprecedented times. Please know that your work is much appreciated by so many. Best, Amy Cole Bartlett Circle 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Angela F. Binda Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 6:14 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Public comment Dear Chairman Dockser, I would like the opportunity to speak during the public comment time of the 5/27/20 Select Board meeting. Thank you, Angela Binda 10 Orchard Park Drive 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Robert Corwin <rcorwin@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 6:49 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall Election Why has this Select Board continued to delay the setting of the date of the recall election? This type of stall tactic is specifically what prompted the recall initiative to begin with. I urge you to remember that you are there to serve ALL the citizens of Reading and to follow the established Charter. I expect at the 5/27/2020 meeting that you will set a date for the recall election. -- Thank you, Robert Corwin 199 Summer Ave Reading, MA 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:bobbie botticelli <bobbie.botticelli@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:02 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall election To The Reading Selectboard. , I urge you to do the right thing and represent the citizens who entrusted you with their votes. The process to recall Selectboard member Alvardo was quite an extensive undergoing. It was performed according to proper charter guidelines and taken very seriously by all. Our registrar/ town clerk certified signatures only to have their validly bogusly questioned, even after hundreds have contacted Ms Gemne that their signature was in fact THEIR SIGNATURE. This is clearly a play to waste time. There are many issues needing your attention and wasteing time on frivolous claims not only highlights the lack of respect Ms Alvarado has for the 2200+ citizens who in many cases went out of their way to perform their right of freedom of speech, only to have it questioned. Please dont allow Ms Alvarado's actions to rub off on you. Kindly step up to plate and set the date for the recall election.. Bobbie Botticelli 58 Chapel Hill Drive Reading,Ma. Bobbie Botticelli Colonial Manor Realty 781-844-9371 bobbie.botticelli@gmail.com Realtor ☆I am never to busy for your referrals☆ 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Larry Meise <llarry.mmeuse@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:09 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall election/ Bagel World backups Hello Larry Meuse 217 Lowell St, Reading, MA 01867 again!!! Thanks for getting back to me on my last email. It must have got lost in the interweb or something. Glad both issues in the last email seem to be somewhat resolved except for Bagel World cars backed up onto 28 north Again this morning 5/26/2020 @ 9:47am. They need The parking lot attendant out there always full time not just when they look out the window and see cars on 28. before there is a fatal accident!!!! I remember the last three fatales and they were not pretty ask the fire department. Last one someone bled to death on West Street just last year We don’t need someone to die on Maine street also before it gets fixed for good. But more importantly I am asking/ begging/ pleading with you all to please set a recall election date tomorrow night for Vanessa Alvarado in August the sooner the better. How can you even work with someone that has no respect for Bob or the police honestly? when are we getting a deputy chief? Have not herd anything on that. I won’t hold my breath for a reply but know I’ll be watching tomorrow night please for the love of Reading please fix these two issues P.S my name Lawrence Meuse Lowell St was challenged As being ill legible. How did my name even make the list if you could not read my signature? It was me that signed to remove Vanessa and it will be my signature when I vote for John Halsey to replace her. Thank you for the time reading this a life long resident 34 years Lawrence Meuse 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Patricia J. Lloyd Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:15 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall Election Dear Select Board Members: Thank you for the time and thoughtful approach that you have brought to the recall election petition. If a recall election is to be scheduled, I respectfully ask that you combine the recall election with the state election being held on September 1, 2020. Regardless of one's position on the recall petition, a combined election would reduce the time our election workers and voters (many of whom are high-risk seniors) are exposed to the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Furthermore, combining the two elections would help minimize the $20,000-30,000 cost of a separate election. Additionally, waiting until at least September for the recall election gives the town more time to review health and safety guidance concerning holding an election in these unprecedented times. And, it is likely that any challenges to the recall petition will have been resolved by September 1. My understanding is that the Select Board could combine the two elections if the Board chose to wait until its June 3 meeting to vote to schedule the recall. I urge you to consider waiting until June 3 to vote on this matter. Then, the rights of the petitioners can be balanced with the safety of the election workers and the voters. Thank you again for your time and service to the town. Patricia Lloyd Reading, MA 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:R Connor <readingbobc@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:12 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Fiscal Responsibility and Health Concerns Members of the Select Board, I urge you to postpone the election concerning Vanessa Alvarado. It is obvious we are in the middle of a pandemic, and having an election is irresponsible, to the citizens and those manning the polls. Secondly, given the reduction in state revenue, it is fiscally unsound to] spend money on this election, when we are going to need it for basic services in town. Thirdly, I read some material on the process that occurred concerning the police chief, and while I find the timeline confusing, I did not feel there was any malicious intent. I went to the meeting at the high school where the police chief was elected, and it was clear to me that it seemed no one had a complete grasp of how the police chief was to be nominated and elected. Finally, this smacks a little of a vendetta. I hope that is not true, but for the above reasons, I urge you to have both elections in September. Thank you for your consideration. Robert and Rosemarie Connor Beacon Street Reading 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:jimvmartin@aol.com Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:00 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Set Recall Election The Board can no longer stonewall the recall election. Election must be held in August 2020 as a stand alone one issue election. The taxpayers of Reading can no longer be denied the option to decide who will sit ont he Board. We are not subject the whims of those on the Board who forget the taxpayers hold the power not the numerous out of town out of state special interest groups. Why have so many out of state out town activist groups taken such an interest in the internal issues of Reading and this individual? 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Diane Naczas <dnaczas@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:29 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall Dear select board , I am sending this email asking you to set the date for recall IMMEDIATELY at your 5/27/2020 meeting. This issue has gone on just too long with constant inactivity and delays. I am also hoping that you DO NOT decide to host two elections in one day on September 1, rather in 2 separate election days. Thank you, Diane Naczas 50 Victoria Ave Reading, MA 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Liana Colomba <liacolomba@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:40 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Set a date Dear Select Board Members, I respectfully urge you to SET A DATE moving forward for a recall election. This has gone on long enough, the citizens of Reading are being ignored by your delay! We are tax payers and appreciate our voice heard. Delaying everything is what got Ms. Alvarado in this position to begin with and honestly I’m beginning to question the integrity of the other Select Board Members who are continuing to shuffle past this very important election, not giving it’s due diligence. Do your job as the townspeople have elected you to do so. Thank you, Liana Colomba 25 Lucy Drive Reading 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Penny Belmonte <pjute1@aol.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:48 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall date I am writing in regards to setting a date for the recall election. Do NOT combine it with the regular election!! Pick the date at weds night‘s meeting! You people have dragged this out long enough. Not only is this insulting to the people of Reading , but a lot of us have already been insulted enough that our signatures have been brought into question. Mine included! Sincerely, Penny Belmonte 110 Timberneck Dr Reading Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Scott Campbell <campsec@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 8:11 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Fwd: Please no special election! Dear Select Board, I understand you are under pressure to hold a special election. With a state election on September 1st I would hope you can see the way to delay holding an extra election. The citizens of Reading should be allowed to make their choice but holding the election now with the pandemic still in full swing means there will be low voter turnout which could mean that there might be a one sided representation in the election. Plus it puts our seniors, who man the polls, at unnecessary risk in addition to spending extra money at a time when the town doesn't need to spend extra. I believe the select board will do the right thing and not listen to a small group at a time when they think they can unduly influence the election. Thanks for your time, consideration and your hard work for the Town of Reading. Sincerely, Scott Campbell 11 Dean Rd, Reading, MA 01867 -- Scott E. Campbell Computer Technology Expert 781-690-0211 campsec@gmail.com 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:cmsmailer@civicplus.com on behalf of Contact form at Reading MA <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 8:28 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:[Reading MA] Upcoming elections (Sent by Stephen and Rachel Baumgartner, slbaumgartner@verizon.net) Hello Select Board, Stephen and Rachel Baumgartner (slbaumgartner@verizon.net) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/contact) at Reading MA. If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/edit. Message: To the Select Board: We feel it is fiscally prudent in these uncertain economic times to defer the vote on a special recall election to your June 3, 2020 meeting, so as to combine the possibility of a local election with the mandated State Election on September 1, 2020. This will save thousands of dollars for what appears will be a year with a budget deficit. While it is still unknown how an election will be able to proceed 3 months from now, the more time for allowed for health experts to make those decisions, will show responsibility for the lives and health of town residents. Sincerely, Steve and Rachel Baumgartner 285 Summer Ave. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Susan <sue.nugent@comcast.net> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 8:39 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Date for recall Hello As a lifelong Reading resident I am requesting that the board please set the date for the recall election at tomorrow nights meeting and not delay it any longer. I am also requesting a seperate election day in august and to not combine it with the september election date. Thankyou Susan Nugent 20 Nugent Lane Sent from Xfinity Connect App 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:cmsmailer@civicplus.com on behalf of Contact form at Reading MA <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 8:45 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:[Reading MA] Recall Election (Sent by Janet Sortor and Timothy McLaughlin, jmsortor@comcast.net) Hello Select Board, Janet Sortor and Timothy McLaughlin (jmsortor@comcast.net) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/contact) at Reading MA. If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/edit. Message: Dear Select Board (SB): While we understand that it is necessary for the SB to set a date for the recall election, this needs to be done very prudently. We are incredulous at the apparent lack of awareness of, or worse a disregard for, the inherent threat to the health and safety of poll workers and even of voters that elections during this pandemic hold by those pushing for an additional election: why ever would we do this more times than is absolutely necessary? We urge you to undertake a thorough discussion with the Town Clerk and Board of Health at the May 27th meeting to choose a date that makes sense in these unprecedented times. Voting for the date of the special election at the June 3rd SB meeting brings September 1st within the range of dates on which the recall election can be scheduled; this is the prudent thing to do. Scheduling the recall election on the same day as the state primary saves the town money and protects poll workers from having to staff an additional election. The SB's effort to avoid an additional and unnecessary election is greatly appreciated by us and surely by many other Reading residents! Thank you for working in the best interests of Reading and its residents. Janet Sortor and Timothy McLaughlin, 55 Temple St. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:John Sullivan <johnsullivan3@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 8:53 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please combine recall election with state primary Good afternoon, I understand there is considerable pressure on the Select Board to vote on setting a recall election for Vanessa Alvarado. I am writing to ask that that election be held on the same day as the state primary election on September 1. If the recall were held simultaneously with the state primary, it would save the town a great deal of money. In addition, this could allow us to get guidelines from public health experts on how to best handle such an event during the current COVID-19 pandemic, with the best practices. This would also save us from exposing workers and voters twice in such a short span of time. The health and safety of the voting public should be the primary concern when scheduling an election Increased voter turnout should be the next priority as voter turnout is essential for a functioning democracy, I worry that the push to hold the recall election sooner is really about keeping turnout down. A combined recall election and state primary makes sense fiscally, from a public health standpoint, and allows for better political engagement. This seems like a no-brainer to me. Thank you so much for all of your hard work for our town. John Sullivan Weston Rd 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Kara F <kara.fratto@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:04 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall election Hello, Please set a date for the recall election of Vanessa Alvarado. -Kara Fratto Lordan 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Nancy Graham Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:06 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Setting of the recall election date I urge the Select Board to set a date for the recall election of Selectperson Alvardo at their meeting on May 27th. This topic has been postponed long enough! I urge you to hold the election in August and not combine it with the State primary. This topic appears to be running the same track as appointing the police chief. PLEASE TAKE ACTION Nancy Graham 26 Holly Rd Town Meeting Member Prec 3 Stay WELL, Nancy 🌺😷 Sent from my iPad 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Rosie Martel-Foley <rosiemartelfoley@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:12 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall vote Hello, My name is Rosie Martel-Foley, a Reading Resident of nearly 5 years. I am writing to request that the Select Board NOT take up a vote at your upcoming meeting regarding the special recall election. Not only am I against the recall vote in general and would prefer it not take up any more of the Select Board’s energy, but also I am very concerned for the safety of our citizens and poll workers if we are forced to hold a special recall election in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. We have barely even begun the state-wide safer at home reopening plan. It seems reckless to even consider congregating towns people for a vote when we still have so much to watch and wait for and learn from in the next few weeks. I implore you, please do NOT vote for the special election, or at the very least delay your vote to allow more time for guidance from the public health experts on how to best handle such an event with the best practices. Sincerely, Rosie Martel-Foley 96 Avalon Road, Reading 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Heather Clish Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:22 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:5/27 Agenda Item: Special Election Discussion Dear Members of the Select Board, First and foremost, thank you for your leadership and all your work during this challenging and troubling time to help ensure the safety of our community and keep our Town government functioning. On the Wednesday, May 27 agenda, there is an item to discuss the special election and to consider voting to set the date. I urge you to take the vote on a timeframe that avoids forcing the Town to incur the costs and public health risks of two elections within weeks of each other. There will be a statewide election on September 1, 2020. I understand that if the Select Board votes to proceed on May 27, the timeframe spelled out in the Town Charter would necessitate holding the special recall election just weeks earlier at an additional cost of $20,000 - $30,000. While I don't believe it's yet known what the revenue shortfall will be to the Commonwealth and to our Town, it seems prudent to avoid duplicative expenses if the special election must proceed. During this period of extra precautions to avoid further COVID-19 outbreaks, it also seems prudent to avoid unnecessarily encouraging all voters to appear twice and potentially putting poll workers in harm's way twice with elections held in rapid succession. While state public health authorities may issue guidance to minimize risk in holding elections, it further seems unreasonable to assume guidance would come sooner than when it will be needed for the statewide election. For all these reasons, I ask you to hold your vote on the special election at a time that would allow the special election to coincide with the statewide election, even if it means slightly delaying your vote. The consolidation of costs and risks seems sensible given the current serious fiscal and public health challenges we continue to face in the weeks and months ahead. Thank you for considering my comments and request. Sincerely, Heather Clish Deering St. Precinct 7 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:cmsmailer@civicplus.com on behalf of Contact form at Reading MA <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:23 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:[Reading MA] Special election (Sent by Ben Tafoya, btafoya@comcast.net) Hello Select Board, Ben Tafoya (btafoya@comcast.net) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/contact) at Reading MA. If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/edit. Message: Dear Board Members: There is still a strong hope that there will not be a need for an election to retain Vanessa Alvarado as a member. If there is a vote, then the election should be scheduled to coincide with the state primary on September 1. As of this moment the legislature has not acted on the wide variety of proposals to make voting in elections this year as safe as possible. Most likely they will act so that vote-by-mail and early voting will be expanded in order to lessen the need for in-person voting. Holding a special election in concert with the September 1 primary will give the town time to prepare for the new processes, limit the need for election workers, lower the turnout for in-person voting and keep our people safe. An extra election this summer, potentially with overlapping voting periods with the primary, would make for confusion and danger that is not required by the situation. I appreciate your attention to the health needs of the community during this crisis. By scheduling the election, if required, on September 1 you will continue this good work. Best wishes on your work and safety, Ben Tafoya Oak Street 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Mike <mkmona04@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:28 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Vanessa Alvarado Recall Vote Date Reading Select Board, I ask that you schedule a specific date for the Vanessa Alvarado recall election and that you do so during the 5/27/2020 Select Board meeting. The optics for many in the community are that you are employing stalling tactics in an effort to thwart the recall election. Ironically and worth noting is that this same stalling practice is what served as a major factor in triggering the Vanessa Alvarado recall election petition. The excuse of COVID to avoid or delay the recall election is just that, an excuse to avoid or delay. State and local governments across the country are now opening things up. In addition, we have a massive voting location (the field house) where people can safely vote. If liquor stores, coffee shops, grocery stores, and hair salons can open, I think we can trust adults to make a decision to vote. I also ask that the Select Board NOT host two elections in one day on September 1 for the following reasons:  Mass Law allows absentee voting for taking precautions against COVID-19 through 6/30. An extension extending absentee voting due to COVID-19 has passed in the MA House and Senate for elections held through 8/1 (does not apply to an election set for 9/1).  2 elections on 9/1 = possibly no absentee voting for COVID, plus, double the poll workers and MORE people in a single location (opposite of distancing)  2 elections in 2 days = fewer people. Only incremental cost is cost of a police detail for the second day (with benefit being half the poll workers on both days + absentee voting eligibility = safer) In closing, it has been more than two months since the Select Board received the certified Petition to Recall and the Board has not discussed in open meeting the recall for the past six weeks. Michael Monahan Bancroft Ave. Reading, MA 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Octavia Brauner <octoberflower@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:43 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:No Recall Election until Sept Dear Select Board Members, I am writing to ask that you consider delaying a recall election until September, to coincide with the state election. Scheduling a special election means having two elections in a short time, which puts the citizens of Reading at an increased risk for being exposed to COVID-19. Many voters would prefer to continue to do all that we can to minimize our risk to being exposed. And our more vulnerable voters need to keep their risk of being exposed as close to zero as possible. How is an election before September fair to them? An election any earlier than Sept deprives some voters of their right to vote. Additionally, waiting until September will also be financially better for the town. What is the urgency for the recall election? Will delaying the election until September harm our town? No, it will not. But the delay will save out town tens of thousands of dollars. Thank you for all your hard work, especially during this time where our daily lives have been very disrupted by the current situation. I hope you and your families are all well. Octavia Brauner 240 Pearl St 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Octavia Brauner <octoberflower@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:43 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:No Recall Election until Sept Dear Select Board Members, I am writing to ask that you consider delaying a recall election until September, to coincide with the state election. Scheduling a special election means having two elections in a short time, which puts the citizens of Reading at an increased risk for being exposed to COVID-19. Many voters would prefer to continue to do all that we can to minimize our risk to being exposed. And our more vulnerable voters need to keep their risk of being exposed as close to zero as possible. How is an election before September fair to them? An election any earlier than Sept deprives some voters of their right to vote. Additionally, waiting until September will also be financially better for the town. What is the urgency for the recall election? Will delaying the election until September harm our town? No, it will not. But the delay will save out town tens of thousands of dollars. Thank you for all your hard work, especially during this time where our daily lives have been very disrupted by the current situation. I hope you and your families are all well. Octavia Brauner 240 Pearl St 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Marlena Bita <marlenamike@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 10:05 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:June election Dear Select Board et.al., As a Reading resident who always votes and worked at the polls in the last election I implore you to post-pone this June vote until September. There is no logical reason during a pandemic to pay for this event when we have the state election in September and of course the national election in November. I am looking to our elected officials for common sense guidance and rational decisions on large group gatherings like graduations, church gatherings, and voting. Those decisions are difficult and often unpopular but if it is logical, I expect you to do it. Thank you for guiding our town thus far and adhering to the opinions of our board of health. I do not envy your position in 2020 but am grateful to all of you. We need common sense leadership more than ever. Please do the right thing and cancel this proposed election until it can be rescheduled. Sincerely, Marlena Bita 18 Strawberry Hill Lane Reading 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:bob@hayesresource.com Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 10:15 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall Election Reading Select Board: It is a moral imperative that you uphold your oaths and set a recall election date, as set it as a separate town election! It is an insult to all who have signed petitions demanding the recall of Alvarado. Bob Hayes 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:bob@hayesresource.com Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 10:15 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall Election Reading Select Board: It is a moral imperative that you uphold your oaths and set a recall election date, as set it as a separate town election! It is an insult to all who have signed petitions demanding the recall of Alvarado. Bob Hayes 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Meghan Carnahan <meghan.carnahan@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 10:41 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Vote on date of special election Dear Reading Select Board Members, I recently read that the Select Board is considering voting on the date for the special election at the next meeting, Wednesday May 27, and I am writing to ask that you please consider delaying that vote until your next meeting in June. Even a short delay on the date vote would allow the Select Board to at least consider combining the special election with the State Primary being held on September 1. Given the circumstances facing our community right now, it seems very important that this September 1 possibility at minimum be discussed as an option. In fact, with all the factors to consider at the moment, combining the elections on September 1 also seems a very prudent action for the town to take and I would hope the board will choose that option. I am sure the health and safety of Reading residents is one of your primary concerns, and limiting risk of the utmost importance. It seems that asking residents to participate in 2 elections within only weeks of each other is unnecessary exposure to risk for poll workers and residents in general, especially for those in higher-risk groups. I know that for me, safe-guarding the health of our community is vital. Also, as I understand it, the State of Massachusetts is expected to come out with guidelines on preserving public health and safety during the State Primary elections on September 1 but there is no telling how far in advance that guidance will be available. Scheduling the special election at the same time as the State Primary ensures that guidance will be available and in place. Secondarily, there are also the financial concerns of the town. At any time I would hope that the town would do what it could to combine elections and limit expenses whenever possible, rather than pay for two completely separate elections within only weeks of each other. At this time, however, it seems even more important that the town be cautious of spending. Reading, like other municipalities, will likely be facing negative economic impacts from this global pandemic, and it seems essential to limit spending where possible. Thank you very much for your consideration of these concerns. I know the members of the Select Board devote a lot of time and energy to the Town of Reading and its residents and it can only be more challenging at a time like this; your work is appreciated greatly. Sincerely, Meghan Carnahan 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Alfred Santosuosso <asanto.pl@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 10:57 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall vote for Vanessa Alvarado I am asking the Select Board of Reading, MA., to set the date immediately, tomorrow 5/27/20 during their meeting for the recall vote for Vanessa Alvarado. Please DO NOT hold two elections in one day on September 1st, 2020. Thank You for this consideration, Alfred Santosuosso 25 Rustic Lane Reading, MA. 01867 (781-942-9280) Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Patrick Dummey <drummeyp20@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 11:26 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. Signed, Patrick Drummey 20 California Road 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Sally/Curt <scnitzsche@verizon.net> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 11:29 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall election at your 5/27 meeting Dear members of the Select Board, I believe that The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. I would encourage you to set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the Town Charter, at your next meeting which I understand will take place on 5/27/2020. I believe it should take place in August and not be combined with the September State Primary. Thank you for your consideration. Sally C. NItzsche 453 Haverhill Street Signed, [NAME] [ADDRESS] Sally 🌹 Sent from my iPad 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Eileen Litterio Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 12:02 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Settle the Recall Election Date at 5/27 SB Meeting To Select Board Members: As elected members to serve our community, Reading residents expect you to set the date for the Recall election during your meeting tonight, May 27th, without any further delays. Already, it has been six weeks since any meaningful effort has been made to set the Recall election date. It is incumbent upon you to take this Recall process seriously. Therefore, I call upon you to schedule the Recall election date TONIGHT (5/27) as a separate Town election in August, as has been suggested earlier, and not combined with a State Primary in September. Thousands of residents have made their voices heard and have watched the process drag on long enough. Setting the Recall election date as a Town election must be your first priority this evening. Any delays in scheduling the Recall election date tonight will be viewed unfavorably, as not in the best interest of the residents you were elected to serve. Eileen Litterio 22 Deborah Drive 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Caroline Betcher <carolinecfoote@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 7:13 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Potential Recall Election Dear Select Board members, I am writing to respectfully ask that you postpone the recall election of Vanessa until it is safe to do so. There will be state elections in September, and surely there will be guidelines from the state for doing that safely. I worked the last election, and many of my fellow poll workers were over 60. And we were shoulder to shoulder. I cannot for the life of me, imagine why anyone would push their agenda so hard that it would endanger our most vulnerable citizens. Let me also just say, I am appalled that people would force our town to spend $20,000 on a special election when they could wait for the fall. I can’t imagine this town hasn’t been hard hit financially by the pandemic closures. We must act responsibly. Having a separate election seems so irresponsible. Not to mention, isn’t Vanessa up for re-election in November? I understand people have the right to hold recall elections— it just seems reckless and thoughtless in these specific times. Unprecedented times call for unconventional thinking. I do hope you’ll consider our safety when you decide when to vote on this... In conclusion, let me also just say thank you. Thank you for working tirelessly for our town. You are faced with many challenges— maybe the biggest one being you cannot please everyone all the time. Putting the towns well-being above trying to please people is hard work. And I really appreciate. Thank you, Caroline Betcher 15 Oak St Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Daniel Dewar <danieldewar@icloud.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 7:44 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall Election Dear Select Board, I am writing to urge you to set a date for the Recall Election. Please vote on this tonight and set a date in August of 2020. Regards, Dan Dewar 519B Main Street 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Chad Erenhouse <chadme77@icloud.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 8:30 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. I know this is a very difficult time and wish you continued health and wellness. Regards, Chad Erenhouse 15 Pine Ridge Circle Reading, MA 01867 203-394-7608 cell 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Heather Soracco <mhsoracco@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 8:30 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Heather Soracco 235 Walnut Street 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Soraccoplumbing <soraccoplumbing@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 8:35 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight Michael Soracco 235 Walnut St. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Matthew Gallagher <mattgallagher52@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 8:39 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Matthew Gallagher 74 Old Farm Rd 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Dennis Dorandi <dorandidennis22@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 8:52 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already pas sed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. I believe if Reading citizens can go to Home Depot, CVS, Market Basket, etc we can hold a Recall Election safely. Regards Dennis Dorandi 32 Green Street Reading,Ma 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Mary Wahlman-Krogh <maryebk@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:04 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Dear Select Board Members, I am writing to express my concern about the recall effort against Vanessa Alvarado. I do NOT support this effort at all. Ms. Alvarado has served this town extremely well so far, and I believe she should be allowed to finish out her current term (and run for re-election if she chooses). I know that there is pressure to vote on setting a recall election. I’m writing to ask that you postpone that vote until your June 3rd meeting, which would allow the vote to potentially be scheduled on September 1, which is the date of the state primary election. Holding two separate elections is inefficient and wasteful for the town. Two elections costs more money, requires more volunteers, and puts more Reading residents at risk of potentially spreading (or getting) COVID-19 by congregating in groups at polling areas. Poll workers are often elderly, which is one of the most susceptible groups of people to the COVID-19 virus. To hold two elections is to put our town's older population at risk. Surely a town that always has its finances at top of mind would be interested in saving money and protecting the health of its citizens. Please consider postponing the vote to set the recall election until your June 3rd meeting. This will allow the recall election - if it happens - to be held on the same day as the state primary. Thank you for all the hard work you do on behalf of this town. Sincerely, Mary Wahlman-Krogh Lowell Street, Reading, MA. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Kit Lonergan <kitlonergan@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:15 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall To the members of the Select Board, This is my first email to you. I'm newish (only 8 years) to Reading, and I have full plans to stay here for a long time with my young family. I have been watching, from afar, the hubbub and mean-spirited comments in some of our local online forums, and from neighbors of those who are spearheading a recall vote for Select Member Alvarado. Honestly, this sounds like something out of a Parks and Rec episode, rather than a town filled with functioning adults who are, literally, neighbors. The one thing I know at this point is: do not make large decisions in the middle of crisis. I am horrified that we would a) hold a vote, b) when people are not all paying attention and don't hvae bandwidth to fully hear or consider, and c) spend money on such a thing when I know that finances are going to be a disaster in the months and years to come. I've seen language and vitriol around this issue, and from a relatively disinterested observer, it's dismaying and disheartening. I see too often the loudest person in the room gets their way, and this is what it is presenting to me at this point. If you have questions or clarifications, please be in touch. Sincerely, Kit Lonergan 147 Grove Street, Reading 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:EDDIE CALO <ejcalo22@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:27 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the general public comment portion of your meeting this evening]. Signed, Edward Calo 11 Bethune ave 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:zoningoff@live.com Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:29 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this Signed, Carol N Scott 34 Emerson St 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Anne Gray <grayae@aol.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:34 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, We’ve lived in Reading since 2008. We are registered voters and we fully support the effort to Recall Vanessa Alvarado. Her use of delay and trickery to advance her political agendas and points of view is not serving the citizens of Reading. The fact that she dared to question the authenticity of HUNDREDS of Reading voters (us included) is appalling and shows what lengths she will go to to advance herself and her agendas. Reading deserves better. Reading deserves representation that respects ALL citizens. The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Brendan and Anne Gray 28 Johnson Woods Drive 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Nancy Littlehale <nancy.littlehale@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:38 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall election Dear Select board, Thank you for all that you do for our town. We are writing because there is an effort afoot to insist on a separate election to remove select board member Vanessa Alvarado. We are against holding a separate election that is solely for this purpose for two reasons. First, elections are not without expense. Given that there is a state election in September might it be more prudent and fiscally responsible to defer a potential election until that time? In this time of economic uncertainty it makes sense to defer. We are sure the town has additional need for that money. Secondly, you can reduce the risk of exposing both voters in the poll workers to the public by 50% by deferring the election until September (holding one not two elections.) Given that many of the poll workers are senior citizens, this is a nod to their safety and ongoing care. Additionally, the Commonwealth will come out with guidelines for safe voting practices by then. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Stephanie Sullivan Nancy Littlehale Rachael Littlehale 48 Dana Rd. Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Linda Sheehan <barlinda@aol.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:51 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall As a resident and taxpayer of Reading, please arrange a recall date. We are not interested in combining this with the election. Patience runs thin when this does not get the attention it deserves. Do the right thing and above all do what the residents of Reading have elected you to do! Linda and Barry Sheehan Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:John Devir Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:02 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the general public comment portion of your meeting this evening]. Signed, John M DEVIR 38 Tamarack Rd Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:John Devir Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:55 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the general public comment portion of your meeting this evening]. Elaine Devir 38 Tamarack Rd Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Mass Cultural Council <Newsletters@ART.state.ma.us> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 10:02 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Community Initiative - May 2020 View this email in your browser To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Man plays a stringed instrument while a woman sings into a microphone at event hosted by Urbano. Photos by Faizal Westcott. Community Initiative Supporting Festivals in an Era of Social Distancing To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. A still from the Plymouth Art at Home Festival video produced by local videographer Christopher Harting for the Plymouth Bay Cultural District. With most spring and summer festivals postponed or cancelled, festival producers, artists, and community stakeholders are coming together to process how that will impact the livelihood of towns and cities, and to explore new and creative ways of engaging audiences. Read More Cape Cod Artists Adapt to a Pandemic 2 To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.COVID-19 has devastated the arts and cultural sector. No more gigs. No more plays. No more gallery showings. Still, as they usually do, artists are finding ways to make and share their art with the world. Read More. On the Podcast To mark the occasion of our 100th episode , we invited The ARTery's Maria Garcia to be our special guest host. She interviewed our Anita Walker, who discusses her 13 years leading the agency, and what it looks like to eliminate mistrust between a funder and a field. Other recent episodes include: To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. An Emergence of the People, their Spirit, their Stories L’Merchie Frazier shares how her community art projects aim to encourage people – individually and collectively – to participate in the arena of art-making. To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. AHA! 20 Years of Placemaking Lee Heald, Director of AHA!, discusses how for 20 years, this monthly, free, downtown cultural night and 3 collaborative organization has provided a platform for community development and understanding. To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Creating Public Space for Community Health Matthew Mazzotta is an artist and activist. His work utilizes – and fuels – community dialogue. Through the creation of public artwork and space, he aims to leave people with an experience that expands their view of where they live. Opportunities & Resources Join our UP Award livestream June 1-5, 2020: Mass Cultural Council’s Universal Participation (UP) Award celebrates excellence in access and inclusion throughout the Commonwealth’s cultural sector. 11-11:30am daily. Mass Cultural Council's 3rd Community Initiative check-in “Arts Activating Social Change” recording is available on YouTube. Learn more on our Community Facebook Page about future check-ins. National Endowment for the Arts has resources to help ensure accessibility of your virtual events for people with disabilities. RespectAbility has COVID-19 resources available for people with disabilities. 4 Assets for Artists is holding free business webinars for artists in Western Mass focused on how to adapt your practice to a post-COVID world. Cape Cod Commission has released a report on Leveraging Arts and Culture in Economic Development on Cape Cod. PolicyLink has their Working with Artists to Deepen Impact webinar up for viewing. Practical Advice for Artists has free resources for artist professional development. In the News  New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! virtual gallery showcases teen artists (Herald News, May 6, 2020)  Cultural Council creates relief fund (Wicked Local Lincoln, April 28, 2020)  Newburyport Literary Festival connects with readers virtually (The Daily News, April 27, 2020)  The arts and culture are critical at this time, and will continue to be (Dedham Times, April 24, 2020)  How to Make Your Virtual Meetings and Events Accessible to the Disability Community (Rooted in Rights, April 23, 2020) 5  Bringing students together through art -- piece by piece (The Haverhill Gazette, April 23, 2020)  Local legislators advise Berkshire nonprofits to band together to weather virus storm (Berkshire Eagle, April 17, 2020) Read More Header image: Gian Carlo Buscaglia and Glaisma Perez Silva perform an homage to Puerto Rican Poet Julia De Burgos. About the Mass Cultural Council Mass Cultural Council is a state agency supporting the arts, sciences, and humanities, to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. It pursues its mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. About the Community Initiative Mass Cultural Council’s Community Initiative unleashes the power of culture in cities and towns across the Commonwealth. We help communities create rich cultural experiences that improve our quality of life, foster growth and economic development, and celebrate the authentic power of place. We form partnerships between developers, cultural leaders, and municipalities that transform cities and towns through culture. And we’re leading a movement to bring people of all backgrounds in the arts, humanities, and sciences together for a common cause: to elevate the importance of culture to create a better Commonwealth. Community Initiative Team Lisa Simmons, Community Initiative Program Manager Festivals, Cultural Districts, Local Cultural Mina Kim, Program Officer Cultural Districts, Local Cultural Councils Regions: Hampshire County, North of Boston, 6 Councils Regions: Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, The Berkshires, Plymouth County, North Central Mass Luis E. Cotto, Program Manager Cultural Districts, Local Cultural Councils Regions: Greater Merrimack Valley, Metro West Ricardo Guillaume, Program Officer Local Cultural Councils, Cultural Districts Regions: Franklin County, South-Central Mass, Cape Cod (excluding Gosnold) Bristol County Timothea Pham, Program Officer Local Cultural Councils, Cultural Districts Regions: Greater Springfield, Greater Boston (excluding Boston), Nantucket Verónica Ramírez Martell, Program Officer Local Cultural Councils, Cultural Districts Regions: Berkshire, North-Central Massachusetts, Plymouth County Map of staff assignments by region (PDF) List of staff assignments by city/town Copyright © 2020 Mass Cultural Council, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in. Our mailing address is: Mass Cultural Council 10 St. James Avenue Boston, MA 02116 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Marcella Tanona <marcellatanona@outlook.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 10:09 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legislation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Marcella Tanona 1074 Main Street Reading, MA 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Michelle Aguillon <michelle.aguillon@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 10:13 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:AGAINST: Recall Election To Whom it May Concern: As a citizen of Reading, I would like to express my concern with having a recall election at this time. I am against it as it would mean large groups of people having to gather in public places, which is still too risky and dangerous right now. We are barely into Phase One mandated by Gov Baker. Please postpone this recall election until it is more safe! Michelle Aguillon 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:acollins23@verizon.net Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 10:16 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Do not schedule recall election May 27, 2020 To the Reading Select Board: I write to urge you to delay proceeding with a vote on the recall election on Vanessa Alvarado. A primary election will be held on September 1 st, 2020. It does not feel wise to schedule a second election before then, particularly during this pandemic. Exposing voters twice in a short time and expending $20,000 or more to hold a second election is rash. I believe the election itself is unwarranted. The accusations against Ms. Alvarado are unfounded. Our neighbors are coping with losing loved ones, jobs, income, and way of life; they are complying with safety precautions, caring for ill or infirm family members, shouldering teaching responsibilities, struggling to balance childcare and work. The entire community needs to come together to continue providing support and guidance in this challenging time. The last thing the community needs is a rancorous election. An opportunity exists for us to add a local ballot to an already-scheduled election in September. That would give the town more time to plan the logistics. It may give the town an opportunity to benefit from any guidelines the state develops on the safest possible manner for us to cast our votes. Staffing this local aspect of the election will also involve additional expense, but considerably less than that of a separate special election. For these reasons, I ask that the Select Board not proceed with scheduling the vote for a special election this evening. Thanks to the Select Board for its committed service. Back when you were elected, no one could have imagined the level of involvement this pandemic has required. Thank you for all your good efforts, and for rising to the demands of the moment. Sincerely, Alice Collins, Precinct 7 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Bill Harlan <heybillharlan@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 10:19 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Special election Hello! I am a Reading resident and voicing my concern to not move towards holding a special election. It does not seem responsible to hold a town election during this time that requires us to congregate risk unnecessary exposure especially given there is an election this September where this issue can be voted on at this time Thank you, Bill Harlan 231 Lowell St Reading, MA 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Douglas A. Bruce Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 10:26 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Sheila Bruce 67 John Street Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Douglas A. Bruce Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 10:26 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Sheila Bruce 67 John Street Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Douglas A. Bruce Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 10:27 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Douglas Bruce 67 John Street Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Scott Magoon <scottymagoon@me.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 10:36 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:No Recall Election/Keep up good work Dear Select Board of Reading, Thank you for all that you do to help our town. I’ve served on various volunteer/elected boards and I know—to a lesser degree—how challenging and thankless public servitude can be. Residents of Reading greatly appreciate your efforts. Unfortunately, its vocal minority can make it seem otherwise. In my opinion, you’re doing a fine job. I understand that a group of Reading citizens are asking you to hold a recall election. For reasons of health and safety, financial constraints on the town budget, as well as fair and due process, I politely ask that you do NOT allow a recall election to happen. If there is a necessity to have a vote, please hold it on the State election in September. Thank you for your time, steadfastness, and vision. Sincerely, Scott Magoon 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Donna Beaulieu <donnambeaulieu@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 10:45 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Donna Beaulieu Precinct 2] 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Linda Sheehan <barlinda@aol.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 11:16 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall election date Please determine the recall election date tonight and it should be prior to the state primary! This deserves your attention as elected officials of the Town of Reading. Linda and Barry Sheehan 22 Kensington Avenue Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Bacci, Carlo Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 11:19 AM To:Dockser, Mark; Reading - Selectboard Subject:FW: Please schedule the Recall Election immediately For public comment tonight Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Diane Massiglia <dmassig@me.com> Date: 5/25/20 7:46 AM (GMT-05:00) To: Reading - Selectboard <selectboard@ci.reading.ma.us> Subject: Please schedule the Recall Election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the certified Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. Over 2,000 signatures were gathered in a span of less than 3 weeks' time. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting on 5/27/2020. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the public comment portion of your 5/27 meeting, at the start of the meeting.] Signed, [NAME]Diane Massiglia [ADDRESS]108. PineRidge Rd Sent from my iPad 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Jason Clarke Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 11:33 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Re: recall election date Dear Select Board, I am writing to urge you to delay setting the date of the recall election to at least the June 3 meeting. First off, the Board of Registrars is set to hold a meeting on Thursday, 5/28 to set a date for the public hearing to discuss the validity of the signatures on the recall petition. I believe it is premature to set a date prior to the outcome of that hearing. If the Board of Registrars hearing determines that enough signatures are illegitimate so as to invalidate the certification of the petition, then would the election, if already scheduled, be cancelled? I think it is safer and more responsible to await the outcome of that process. In addition, I think it is premature to set a date when there is as yet no plan for conducting such an election. How will it be done safely? Town committee members were just polled as to how they would prefer to hold town meeting, and the majority wished to do so over Zoom; will the residents of Reading be similarly polled for their preferences on how an election should proceed, and to what degree they will be put at risk? I would also like to express my deep concern that this recall process could produce a chilling effect upon public town engagement. Anyone with a realistic view of municipal politics understands that if the sort of claims made in the recall petition always led to recalls, there would scarcely be any public officials anywhere in the United States. Such spurious recalls might discourage well-qualified individuals from running for town positions and deprive our town of its best leadership. While it is too late in this instance, I propose the town review the recall portion of the charter and the relevant bylaws to specify the types of transgressions that are serious enough to justify a recall in the future. Otherwise, we as a town risk an endless cycle of spurious recalls. All Select Board members, old and new, should consider how safe they feel from a recall, and what the effects of such a recall might be on their life in the town and their employment. Let elections be decided as they should be, in a standard town election. Sincerely, Jason Clarke Ash St. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Paula Tucci <pltucci@comcast.net> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 11:33 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Against an extra election Dear members of the Reading Select Board, Thank you for your service. I am sincerely thankful for the time and energy that each of you offers for the sake of bettering our community. That’s true during ordinary times and it is especially true as you respond to and operate during this COVID-19 state of emergency. I recently read that the Select Board has been asked to hold a special election prior to and in addition to the election scheduled for September 1. I’m writing to urge you NOT to hold or schedule an additional election at this time as it is in violation of the Governor’s reopening plan and puts the health and safety of all citizens at risk for the deadly COVID=19 virus. The foundation of the state’s reopening plan is the “Safer at Home” advisory, which states: The new Safer at Home Advisory instructs everyone to stay home unless they are headed to a newly opened facility or activity. It also advises those over the age of 65 and those with underlying health conditions to stay home with the exception of trips required for health care, groceries, or that are otherwise absolutely necessary. All residents must continue to wear a face covering in public when social distancing is not possible, and individuals are advised to wash their hands frequently and be vigilant in monitoring for symptoms. Restrictions on gatherings of more than 10 people remain in effect. Holding an election would violate the plan in at least three ways: elections are not one of the newly opened activities that residents should leave their homes for, elections are not one of the sanctioned activities citizens over 65 or with underlying health conditions can leave their homes for, and an election is a gathering of more than 10 people. Further, we cannot count on what the plan looks like at this moment in time to plan with any certainty a date for a future activity. The phases of the reopening plan are designed to change in response to key metrics that play out in real time. The Governor’s reopening plan reads: Key public health metrics will determine if and when it is appropriate to proceed through reopening phases. They include: · COVID-19 positive test rate; · Number of individuals who died from COVID-19; · Number of patients with COVID-19 in hospitals; · Health care system readiness; · Testing capacity; · Contact tracing capabilities. 2 Thirdly, voting on an extra election before we are even two weeks into Phase I of the reopening plan fully disregards the plans premise of safety. The Governor clearly states he is trying to resume activity while he maintains the capacity to care for COVID-19 patients. He clearly states the plan is designed to not overload the healthcare system. Until such time that we share in the knowledge and the depth of understanding that the Governor has had available to him in designing a balanced plan, it is irresponsible for us to throw off that balance and in so doing expose all citizens to risk of a deadly virus. The plan reads: The goal of this phased reopening plan is to methodically allow businesses, services, and activities to resume, while avoiding a resurgence of COVID-19 that could overwhelm the state’s health care system and erase the progress made so far. · Each phase will last a minimum of three weeks and could last longer before moving to the next phase; · If public health data trends are negative, specific industries, regions, and/or the entire Commonwealth may need to return to an earlier phase; · The Commonwealth will partner with industries to draft sector-specific protocols in advance of future phases (example: restaurant-specific protocols will be drafted in advance of Phase 2); · If we all work together to defeat COVID-19, we can proceed through each phase. Success in earlier phases will refine criteria for future phases including travel, sizes of gatherings, as well as additional retail openings, lodging and accommodations, arts, entertainment, fitness centers, museums, restaurants, youth sports, and other activities. An article in today’s Boston Globe reminds us that we are still in a state of emergency. It says that public health experts warn that without a vaccine or a heavy dose of caution MA could easily be hit by a second wave of Covid-19 infections that rivals the first. I urge you to use a heavy dose of caution and not make plans for an extra election. An extra election is a violation of the Governor’s reopening plan. The extra election does not concern a topic of greater risk than that of COVID-19. The election does not warrant the Reading Select Board flouting Governor Baker’s studied plan to reopen Massachusetts safely. If you want another reason to not hold an extra election, though I believe the health and safety of our citizens is a sufficient reason, it is that the town does not have money to waste. We are in uncertain financial times. The global pandemic has put deep strains on revenues and expenses and we are still uncertain what the total financial damage will be when all is said and done. The town is not in position to spend money on niceties. There’s another election planned for September. We can easily piggy back onto that. We can conserve ~$30000 by simply waiting a few more weeks. I urge you to let the Governor’s Safer at Home advisory play out before we decide on extra election activity. Let us not take action that will put our town and greater community at risk of a deadly virus. Thank you, Paula Tucci 8 Buckskin Drive 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Rita Robertson <rrobertson737@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 11:35 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Special Election: Time Sensitive To the Select Board of Reading: I am writing in regard to your impending vote to schedule a Special Election to occur prior to the scheduled State election o n September 1, 2020. I am a Reading resident and, in full disclosure, have worked as an Election employee for the Town. I have also served on Town Meeting and as an appointed member of the Celebrations Trust Committee. For the record, I am also a retired person, over sixty and in the vulnerable age group to contract and have serious implications from Covid-19. As a Reading resident, and a voter, I am opposed to the scheduling of a Special Town meeting for two reasons. First and foremost, I believe it would be irresponsible for the Town of Reading to expose its citizens to the potential hazard of this pandemic. Does a Special Election in the Town of Reading warrant citizens risking their health when the same objective could be reached by including that election in an already scheduled date? I believe it does not. I also believe that, by scheduling a Special Election prior to the September 1st date, the SelectBoard sends a message to its citizens that protocols taken to prevent the spread of the deadly virus are not critical. As a past Election employee, I have serious misgivings about taking on that role again in the near future and to add an additional election date to the calendar would only serve to put other election employees, most of whom are in the vulnerable category at significant risk. I implore you, please, consider the health and wellness of the citizens of Reading as your first priority. I also ask you to consider the financial obligation that you bear as a Select Board. Having followed Town Meeting for almost 28 years, I am well aware of how tight the budget is for the Town of Reading. Can you really justify spending additional dollars for a Special Election when there is a scheduled election only weeks away? If you choose to disregard both the fiscal and the health concerns of this town, I ask that you provide information about which line item the spending for the Special Election would taken from. As a Reading resident I am keenly aware of how budgeting decisions, even those as seemingly minor as this one, can negatively impact public safety, education and infrastructure. I ask that you look at the broader picture and act in the best interest of the citizens of Reading. Voting to add a Special Election would spend money that we do not have and, more importantly, expose Election Workers, voters, their families and the community at large, to an epidemic which is barely under control in our area. It would be an irresponsible action on your part and I look forward to watching tonight in the hope that you will act in the best interest of the town and vote “no”. Sincerely, Rita C. Robertson 9 Elm Street 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Bacci, Carlo Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 12:02 PM To:Dockser, Mark; Reading - Selectboard Subject:FW: Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Seems pretty clear Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: EDDIE CALO <ejcalo22@gmail.com> Date: 5/27/20 9:28 AM (GMT-05:00) To: Reading - Selectboard <selectboard@ci.reading.ma.us> Subject: Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the general public comment portion of your meeting this evening]. Signed, Edward Calo 11 Bethune ave 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Dawn Cunningham <dawnlc2012@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 11:51 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:election vote Select Board, Please consider holding off your vote about the recall election until June 3rd. With the current COVID crisis and the cost of having another election, the responsible thing to do would be to vote June 3 so that the recall election could be paired with the state election on September 1st. I’m concerned about the cost of this recall election as well as exposure to COVID, especially for the elderly in our community, as most of the poll workers are elderly. Thank you for your thought and consideration. Dawn Cunningham 32 Warren Ave Reading MA 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Jeremy Wahlman-Krogh <jeremywahlman@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 11:47 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Concerns about scheduling a recall election at the May 27 meeting Hello Select Board, First, I would like to thank you for all you do for Reading. Any sort of political office right now is rife with pressure from multiple directions (including this email), and it can't be an easy job. I'd also like to preface this with the fact that I strongly disagree with the recall effort against Vanessa Alvarado. The time and effort spent on this already could have been spent on other priorities to improve our town. With all the unknowns around COVID-19, and the fact that the underlying issue behind the recall effort is actually over, it is a waste of time and effort that the Board or anyone else in the town has to deal with this. And yet, here we are. There's a petition and pressure to vote on setting a recall election. I write to strongly suggest that you not vote on the recall until at least your June 3 meeting. This would allow a recall election - if it goes forward - to occur on September 1, which is the day of the state primary election. Voting prior to that would require two separate elections for the town, which increases costs, requires filling additional volunteer hours, and most importantly doubles the risk of spreading COVID-19 by having our citizens congregate to vote twice. I know this town has strong feelings about money. And I also know that the overlap between those who were against the tax override and those who support the recall effort is quite strong - I won't go into that hypocrisy in this email. Nonetheless, the costs aren't my biggest concern here. What is a big concern is the unnecessary health risk a second election would cause. In my experience voting in Reading, both the volunteers for elections and the in-person voters skew toward age groups that are more at risk of death from COVID-19. Intentionally adding an election only serves to put some of our most vulnerable citizens (and most willing volunteers) in harm's way. While mail-in voting is an option, there are still a significant number of people who will need to vote in-person. If I were a senior who volunteered for our town elections, I would be enraged that my willingness to help with the democratic process was met with a callous disregard for the risks to my health, just to hold an election that could easily wait to coincide with the one on September 1. We know the health risks involved in large gatherings, and we have the opportunity and responsibility to limit them. Abdicating that responsibility is reckless and, in my opinion, could make our town government liable - if not legally, then at least morally - for any COVID-19 cases that would stem from an additional election. Sincerely, Jeremy Wahlman-Krogh Lowell St. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:W Fidler-Carey Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 12:36 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please DO NOT vote on the recall election Dear Select Board members, In consideration of the fact that we are in the middle of this Pandemic and are still learning about the health risks to people as we loosen restrictions on physical distances, it would be reckless of us to schedule an unnecessarily additional election for this recall vote when there is already another one scheduled for Sept. 1. With this in mind, please delay your vote to schedule any election on the recall until June 3. Thank you for all of your continued leadership as we work our way through all of this new information as it comes flying at us. These are harrowing times and I applaud the Select Board's work adjusting and accommodating. Respectfully submitted, Megan Fidler-Carey, 64 Charles Street ************** 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:patricia jean <pattyjean100@hotmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 12:22 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Patricia Munn 37 Frank Tanner Drive Apt. 1 Reading, MA 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Donald Wood <dwpw6216@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 1:11 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall I have been a resident of Reading for 75 years and have never until now seen such an abuse of power as delaying the recall. All of the prerequisites for the recall have been fulfilled yet the Board has decided that it will decide if this. Vo te is to take place or not. DO YOUR JOB. A disappointed resident, Donald Wood 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Bo Garrison Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 12:08 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Election shenanigans Dear Chair and Board, I oppose a separate election on the recall petition. I cannot understand how Reading would have the funds to hold two elections in close proximity. Also, it is likely that the issue of the Covid-19 would make it more difficult for people to go to vote, or want to go to vote. Please delay your vote on this issue so that there doesn't have to be a separate vote from the upcoming September primaries... Regards, Gina Snyder 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Lisa Egan, Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce <legan@rnrchamber.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 1:30 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Pivot, Don't Quit! Unlocking LinkedIn on Tomorrow at Noon To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Unlocking LinkedIn Thursday, May 28th (tomorrow!) Noon - 1 PM Webinar With in-person networking on a hiatus, join the Chamber and Kathy McConnell Marketing to learn to network and market your business using LinkedIn. It's not just a platform for job seekers, but an active community of business and consultants to share ideas, articles and forge relationships digitally. All of the strategies will be focused on the FREE version of LInkedIn, as we realize budgets are tight and many do not have the paid version of LinkedIn. Pre-registration is required and link will be emailed to you an hour before the event. Email us your questions and we will cover them in the session! Member Tickets: FREE Non Member Tickets: $10 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Power Hour Networking Thursday, June 4th 2 - 3 pm Join us for virtual networking and connection via Zoom! All guests will have the opportunity to introduce themselves - and are asked to share their strategies to market their businesses as they reopen. Limited to 20 businesses. Member Tickets: FREE Non Member Tickets: $15 2 PPP Forgiveness The SBA has released an application which must be completed to have your PPP loan forgiven. It's found here. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Where Should I Buy PPE for my Business? MA has provided this list of vetted suppliers to purchase PPE for your business. To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Reopening Toolkit for Businesses The Chamber partnered with the Town of Reading to create a comprehensive toolkit for businesses. This includes helpful resources, checklists and safety standards. Reopening Toolkit for Businesses To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Business Signs New Chamber Member Benefit How about a free, outdoor sign to promote your business? We got you! The Chamber is creating FREE signs for members to advertise the ways customers can support your business! So many businesses have pivoted and are offering unique programs to stay open. These signs will create a sense of solidarity and support for our community. The signs are heavy duty, suitable for outdoor display or may be hung in your window (12 X 18 inches). Thank you to Reading Cooperative Bank for generously sponsoring these signs! To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. 3 There are 3 options to choose from. We have limited quantities of each. Request your preferred sign (first and second choices) via email now to reserve yours. These are available on a first-come, first served basis. We will begin dropping off the week of May 18th and will contact you in advance to minimize contact. Let's tie the community back together as we look ahead! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Business Impact of Covid-19 Please take our survey about the impact of Covid-19 and your business. This data will be used to fund rebuilding efforts and possibly grants for our communities. Survey is online here. To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Reopening Resources Anxious to learn more on when you can reopen? Here is detailed commentary for industries on the reopening plan, updated as of May 25, 2020 All businesses must have a Covid-19 Control Plan in place. Download the the template here. All businesses must post the employer poster in their workplace. All businesses must complete this compliance template to reopen. Here is a visual summary of what businesses can expect in Phase 1 of Reopening MA. To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Thank you to our Presenters, David 4 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Robinson and Ken DeMoura Our Q&A with Employment experts from DeMoura Smith and Ruberto, Israel and Weiner provided an excellent overview of employment issues. What do I do if am employee gets sick? Do I need to close my business, and if so for how long? Should I take employee' temperatures? We covered these and more of your questions. Thank you to our knowledgeable speakers and for sharing with our members. Listen to the webinar here. (apologies the first few minutes were not included) We tackled a lot of reopening questions Chamber Platinum Partner To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Lisa Egan Executive Director Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce PO Box 771 Reading, MA 01867 legan@rnrchamber.com www.readingnreadingchamber.com To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Facebook To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.LinkedIn To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Instagram Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce | PO Box 771, Reading, MA 01867 Unsubscribe selectmen@ci.reading.ma.us Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by legan@rnrchamber.com in collaboration with To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today. Try email marketing for free today! 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Jacqui Oliver <jacquioliver01@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 1:15 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Jacqueline Oliver 29 Lewis St 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Judy Oliver <jabo3171968@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 12:47 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the general public comment portion of your meeting this evening]. Signed, [NAME] [ADDRESS] 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Melissa Murphy <mmurph8@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 12:43 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Set a Date Dear Select Board, We respectfully request that you stop delaying the process that has been put in motion to recall Ms. Alvarado by residents of this town. Whether you agree or disagree with what is taking place, you have been elected by residents to follow the rules of the Reading Home Rule Charter which clearly states: Section 8.11.3 "If such Town Officer does not resign his office within five (5) days after the date of such notice, the Board of Selectmen shall order an election to be held not less than 64 days or not more than 90 days from the date the board of selectmen orders the election; provided, however, that if any other town election is to occur not less than 70 days or not more than 90 days after the date of the certificate, the Board of Selectmen shall hold the recall election on the date of such other election." Please, do the right thing and set a date tonight. We have waited long enough and are not tolerating these nonsense delays anymore. Regards, Brian & Melissa Murphy 97 Van Norden Road 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Diana Powell <drpowell9@verizon.net> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 2:01 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall election To whom it may concern, I am aware that that there is a vocal group calling for a recall election for an elected member of the Select Board, and they would like the board to vote on an election soon. Trying to force a vote on this, to me, is reckless and morally reprehensible. We are in the middle of a global pandemic, and holding a town election before it is safe for large groups to gather will only put our most vulnerable at risk. Isn’t it one of our government’s jobs to protect its vulnerable citizens? Additionally, with a cost of $20,000 - $30,000 to run said election, holding an extra election is irresponsible. An election is scheduled for September 1, and the recall could be added to that election. This would give the town more time to prepare and get guidance from public health officials on handling this kind of event. I ask you to hold off on voting on this subject until a later date. Respectfully, Diana Powell Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:DLS Alerts <dls_alerts@dor.state.ma.us> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 2:19 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:DLS Alert: Deadline for Coronavirus Relief Funds Approaching To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Deadline for Coronavirus Relief Funds Approaching The deadline for communities to submit applications for FY20 Coronavirus Relief Funds is Friday, June 5th. Submissions will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis and payments made on a regular basis, however cities and towns are asked to finalize the process before June 5th in order to ensure a timely distribution of funds. For additional information, please see the following letter from Secretary Heffernan to Municipal Chief Executives summarizing the Baker-Polito Administration’s approach to administering Coronavirus Relief Funds and detailed guidance related to program. Passwords were previously provided to municipal CEOs through the Division of Local Services. To submit applications, please use the following web-based application: https://massgov.formstack.com/forms/municipal_covid19_spending For questions related to the process, please contact DLS Senior Deputy Commissioner Sean Cronin at LocalGovCaresAct@dor.state.ma.us. You are receiving this message through the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's Division of Local Services DLS Alerts system. These periodic notices include our City & Town e-newsletter, IGRs, Bulletins, Cherry Sheets and other municipal finance-related information. To unsubscribe to DLS Alerts and the City & Town e-newsletter, please email dls_alerts@dor.state.ma.us. This email was sent to selectmen@ci.reading.ma.us why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Division of Local Services · 100 Cambridge Street · Boston, MA 02114 · USA 2 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Rita Robertson <rrobertson737@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 2:20 PM To:Bacci, Carlo Cc:LeLacheur, Bob; Reading - Selectboard Subject:Re: Special Election: Time Sensitive Thank you for your quick response, I really do appreciate it. For clarification purposes, you stated "We appreciate your thoughts and concerns and will address them if it is part of the agenda”. Since the Special Election vote is scheduled for this evening’s meeting (8:45), am I to assume that my concerns will be among those considered? On May 27, 2020, at 12:37 PM, Bacci, Carlo <carlo.bacci@ci.reading.ma.us> wrote: Hello, Thanks for your email and reaching out to the Select Board. Your comments will become public record and will be published in the packet for the next board meeting. We appreciate your thoughts and concerns and will address them if it is part of the agenda. We are doing doing the best we can during this Covid-19 virus to address all concerns of residents. The recall election is on our agenda this coming Wednesday. Please feel free to address any concerns you have during public comment per instructions in the packet. Carlo Bacci Select Board Secretary Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Rita Robertson <rrobertson737@gmail.com> Date: 5/27/20 11:57 AM (GMT-05:00) To: Reading - Selectboard <selectboard@ci.reading.ma.us> Subject: Special Election: Time Sensitive To the Select Board of Reading: I am writing in regard to your impending vote to schedule a Special Election to occur prior to the scheduled State election on September 1, 2020. I am a Reading resident and, in full disclosure, have worked as an Election employee for the Town. I have also served on Town Meeting and as an appointed member of the Celebrations Trust Committee. For the record, I am also a retired person, over sixty and 2 in the vulnerable age group to contract and have serious implications from Covid-19. As a Reading resident, and a voter, I am opposed to the scheduling of a Special Town meeting for two reasons. First and foremost, I believe it would be irresponsible for the Town of Reading to expose its citizens to the potential hazard of this pandemic. Does a Special Election in the Town of Reading warrant citizens risking their health when the same objective could be reached by including that election in an already scheduled date? I believe it does not. I also believe that, by scheduling a Special Election prior to the September 1st date, the SelectBoard sends a message to its citizens that protocols taken to prevent the spread of the deadly virus are not critical. As a past Election employee, I have serious misgivings about taking on that role again in the near future and to add an additional election date to the calendar would only serve to put other election employees, most of whom are in the vulnerable category at significant risk. I implore you, please, consider the health and wellness of the citizens of Reading as your first priority. I also ask you to consider the financial obligation that you bear as a Select Board. Having followed Town Meeting for almost 28 years, I am well aware of how tight the budget is for the Town of Reading. Can you really justify spending additional dollars for a Special Election when there is a scheduled election only weeks away? If you choose to disregard both the fiscal and the health concerns of this town, I ask that you provide information about which line item the spending for the Special Election would taken from. As a Reading resident I am keenly aware of how budgeting decisions, even those as seemingly minor as this one, can negatively impact public safety, education and infrastructure. I ask that you look at the broader picture and act in the best interest of the citizens of Reading. Voting to add a Special Election would spend money that we do not have and, more importantly, expose Election Workers, voters, their families and the community at large, to an epidemic which is barely under control in our area. It would be an irresponsible action on your part and I look forward to watching tonight in the hope that you will act in the best interest of the town and vote “no”. Sincerely, Rita C. Robertson 9 Elm Street 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Karen Janowski <karen.janowski@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 2:23 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Scheduling Recall Election Hello, I am writing to request you finally set the date for the recall election. It is incomprehensible how long it is taking to set the date. To an outside observer, it appears you are stalling in fulfilling one of your responsibilities as elected officials. Please finalize this issue during tonight's meeting and set the date for the recall election. Respectfully, Karen Janowski 30 Azalea Circle This message is confidential and privileged and intended for the addressee only. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you should receive this message in error, please call 781-983- 1737 and delete the message. 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Raymond Cozzi <rcozzi1@verizon.net> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 2:52 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 PLEASE SET A DATE Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the general public comment portion of your meeting this evening]. Signed, [NAME] [ADDRESS] Raymond Cozzi Email; rcozzi1@verizon.net Cell: 781-760-9920 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Dennis Dorandi <dorandidennis22@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 3:03 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Regards Dennis Dorandi 32 Green Street 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Stephanie Balaouras <stephanie_balaouras@yahoo.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 3:41 PM To:Reading - Selectboard; Dockser, Mark; Landry, Anne; Bacci, Carlo; Alvarado, Vanessa; Herrick, Karen Subject:Opposition To Recall Election Prior To September Hello Select board, My name is Stephanie Balaouras, I'm a resident of Reading, and I'm also Vice President at a management consultancy, and I specialize in business continuity planning and risk management. It's come to my attention that the select board is considering a vote to have a recall election scheduled this summer - separately from the already scheduled September 1st state election. In my professional capacity, as someone who is advising businesses on a daily basis on pandemic management protocols and planning, this is unnecessarily putting people's health and safety at risk. Until there is a widely available vaccine,12-18 months from now, we will need to continue pandemic management protocols such as social distancing, the wearing of personal protective equipment, frequent hand washing, extensive cleanings etc. Forcing people to chose between their civic duty and their health for an election that could easily be consolidated with an existing election is reckless and irresponsible. I also think it would expose the town to a great deal of liability for failing in its duty of care responsibility to its citizens. Thank you for your consideration, Stephanie 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Sally Edmonds <sallyedmonds7@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 4:10 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Set the Date Dear Select Board Chair Dockser - Please set the date for the Recall Election immediately as requested by myself and many citizens of Reading. Sincerely, Sally G. Edmonds 233 Van Norden Rd I do not wish to read my comment on the Zoom meeting 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:MA Municipal Assoc. <dbaker@mma.org> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 4:48 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Webinar: A Practical Guide to Town Meeting & Municipal Elections Webinar: Practical Guide to Town Meeting & Elections During COVID-19 Wednesday, June 3, 2020 4:00 to 5:30 pm Town Meeting and Municipal Elections have evolved since Norman Rockwell painted his famous "Freedom of Speech" in 1943. But COVID-19 has challenged communities in a way that was hard to predict and certainly nobody was prepared for. On Wednesday, June 3 the MMA will offer a "Practical Guide to Town Meeting & Elections During COVID-19" webinar to all select board members, finance committee members and town managers and administrators. KP Law Managing Partner Lauren Goldberg will lead this free, 90-minute session, beginning at 4 pm. Speakers will include Lexington Town Manager Jim Malloy, who will discuss holding the first ever remote representative town meeting just a few days prior, and Sandwich Town Manager Bud Dunham who will speak about a successful state and local election held in mid-May. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Please use the registration link below to register. You will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the webinar. REGISTER HERE To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Register Now for Massachusetts Municipal Association Events 2 Questions? Contact Denise Baker, dbaker@mma.org or Isabelle Nichols, inichols@mma.org To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Massachusetts Municipal Association 3 1 Winthrop Square Boston, MA 02110 (617) 426-7272 | Email Us | View our website Unsubscribe from MMA Emails To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Higher Logic 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Eileen Litterio Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 4:50 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Speaking during Public Comments at 7:30 To the Select Board:: I am interested in speaking during the public comment agenda item at 7:30 this evening. I await the password and any other information I will need to offer a 2 minute comment. Thank you. Eileen Litterio 22 Deborah Drive 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Jessica Franklin <jess2781@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:34 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Jessica Franklin 106 Grove Street Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Nan Obrien <nanobrien86@yahoo.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:36 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Nancy O’Brien 101 Wakefield St 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Jack OBrien <jackobrien9@yahoo.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:48 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the hearing for challenges to signatures as soon as possible Dear Select Board, I am writing to request that you schedule the hearing regarding the signature challenge regarding the recall as soon as possible. Please do not put it off any more. It was my signature, and I do not appreciate the cynical and manipulative attempt to disenfranchise me. Please schedule the vote so I my voice can count. Thank you, John O’Brien 101 Wakefield Street Reading, MA 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Joanne Ursino <jursino50@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 6:05 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Joanne Ursino 38 Grey Coach Road Reading MA 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Brook Chipman <bwchipman60@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 6:15 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Set recall election date tonight Hello, Please set the date for the recall election at the SB meeting tonight. This election needs to be held as a separate Town election in August, and NOT combined with the State primary election on 9/1. We need to ensure town residents can clearly focus and decide on this important matter. Thank you, Brook Mr. Brook W. Chipman 21 Bond Street, Reading 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:James <james.a.flaherty@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 6:41 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Recall election status If the Selectboard does not set a recall date today for a legal petition they accepted and which was in accordance with the Town Charter, are they in violation of State and Federal “Right to Vote” laws.Has the State Attorney General o ffice of Civil Rights been requested By the town to review the current procedural status in the denial of the Town voters to cast their ballots. James Flaherty 15 Chequessett Road Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Linda M. Phillips Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 6:44 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Set the Date Within charter regulations From: Linda Phillips [mailto:lmfphillips@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:30 PM Current election delays by Reading's select board are unauthorized by Reading's Home Rule Charter which requires an election date be set, "not more than 90 days after the date of the certificate". Reading's date of certificate/certification was March 19, 2020 as verified by the Town Clerk on the town's website. All nine (9) other MA communities who have recall election procedures vetted by the Attorney General's office or by the legislature as Reading is, have the same legal intent and interpretation of the 64-90 timetable beginning at the certification of voter signatures by the town clerk with 90 calendar days out from the certification process. The 90 day limit from certification expires on June 19, 2020, according to a 90 day calendar count. All recall elections are a time sensitive action for the expeditious removal of a town official for reasons deemed important by at least 10% of its registered voters. Reading had 2,239 signatures certified (over 200+ more than required) on the March 19th date. Excessive delay outside charter regulations can outright neutralize the intended purpose to recall an elected official. Ignoring the select board's responsibility for due diligence, promptness and responsiveness to the voters whose signatures were collected, presently divides our community unnecessarily when a timely election settles the matter. It is of utmost import to the integrity and effectiveness of the select board that the charter regulations put forth in the 64- 90 election day window, expiring on June 19, 2020 be observed. Senate Bill 2608 dated March 23, 2020, now extended and in effect until July 31, 2020, offers Reading an opportunity to have an absentee mail-in voting when another election date requires additional assistance and work for the town clerk's office. We are respectfully asking that the board act promptly to set a date for the recall election within June or the latest in July (in deference to the late preparation required of the town clerk's office) to take advantage of our right to a mail-in voting option. Respectfully, Gary and Linda Phillips 42 Willow Street Reading 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Dennis Dorandi <dorandidennis22@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 7:10 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election immediately Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, I am very discourage that the Recall Petition issue has been removed from the Select Board meeting agenda of March 27, 2020. This issue seems to be delayed again and again and can not be resolved. The people of Reading deserve this issue to be resolved by you and the Select Board according to our town charter. Regards: Dennis Dorandi 32 Green Street 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Eugene Del Gaizo <delgaizo@verizon.net> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 7:16 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Set the Recall Date Selectperson Mark L. Dockser, Please set the date of this important recall of Selectperson staff as soon as possible, so time Is not lost. This is an important issue. We will be following on video media. Thank you Respectfully, Eugene and Susan Del Gaizo 77 Maple Ridge Rd Reading, ma. 01867 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Michelle Edson <edson7.me@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 7:39 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Michelle E Kenneth rd Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:John O'Brien <maureenob89@icloud.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 7:50 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:SET THE DATE on the Recall Election! Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Signed, Maureen OBrien 135 Eastway Reading,MA [ 2 3 ADDRESS] Sent from my iPad 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Kathleen <kmoulton9@hotmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 8:02 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the general public comment portion of your meeting this evening]. Signed, [NAME]Kathleen Moulton [ADDRESS]30 Louanis Dr Sent from my iPad 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Michelle Edson <edson7.me@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 8:15 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Please schedule the Recall Election TONIGHT, 5/27 Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the general public comment portion of your meeting this evening]. Signed, [NAME] [ADDRESS] Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:dawn gera <dawngera@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:11 PM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:SET THE DATE on the Recall Election! Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your meeting tonight (5/27/2020). Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. [OPTIONAL: Please note that I wish to speak during the general public comment portion of your meeting this evening]. Signed, Dawn Gera 20 Lewis St Sent from my iPhone 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:MA Municipal Assoc. <inichols@mma.org> Sent:Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:45 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:Register for 3rd COVID-19 Municipal Elected Leaders Briefing 6.12.20 Register for COVID-19 Elected Leaders Briefing You are Invited to the Third MMA COVID-19 Briefing for Select Board Members and City & Town Councillors Friday, June 12 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. To All Select Board Members, Selectmen, and City & Town Councillors, The MMA will be hosting a third COVID-19 briefing for Select Board Members and City & Town Councillors on Friday, June 12, from 12:00 - 1:00 pm. MMA Executive Director Geoff Beckwith will provide members with the latest updates on the Baker-Polito Administration's response to COVID-19, and MMA Legislative Director John Robertson will speak about the legislative response to this public health emergency. We thank the leaders of the Massachusetts Select Board Association (MSA) and the Massachusetts Municipal Councillors’ Association (MMCA) for their efforts and support in organizing this briefing. This briefing will be done as a Zoom Webinar. To register, click the link below. Please be sure to register at least 60 minutes in advance. REGISTER HERE FOR THE BRIEFING After you register, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom, which will contain information about joining the webinar. We recommend that you download the Zoom app onto your computer and smartphones to optimize your experience. If you need information on how to use Zoom, please visit the Zoom Help Center Meeting and Webinars. To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. 2 We will be taking questions during the call using the chat function, which requires use of the Zoom desktop or smartphone app. If you have questions that you would like to send in advance, please submit them using this form. Geoff and John will cover as many questions as they can during the hour. This briefing invitation is for Select Board Members/Selectmen and City and Town Councillors. The invitation is not transferable, so please do not forward it to others. Please also be sure to visit the MMA website for real-time COVID-19 updates and resources, and sign up for our newsletter for a weekly digest of all the latest news. We hope you and your families are all safe and in good health. Thank you for your leadership in protecting your communities during this challenging time! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Massachusetts Municipal Association 1 Winthrop Square Boston, MA 02110 (617) 426-7272 | Email Us | View our website Unsubscribe from MMA Emails To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Higher Logic 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:Chuck Webberly <cwebberly@structureconsulting.net> Sent:Thursday, May 28, 2020 9:46 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:SET THE DATE on the Recall Election! Dear Chair Dockser and members of the Select Board, The Board of Registrars issued the CERTIFIED Petition to Recall Vanessa Alvarado to the Select Board on March 19th, 2020. More than 2 months' time have elapsed. Please do your jobs and set the date for the Recall Election immediately, per the charter, at your next meeting. Absentee voting to take precautions against COVID-19 is being extended through 8/1, which is 66 days from today. Legistation extending the date to 8/1 already passed the House, and is in the Senate now with bipartisan approval expected quickly. As Vice Chair Landry noted on 4/14, scheduling the Recall Election for the same date as the 9/1 State Primary means double the poll workers (HIGHER volume of people congregating in a central location), in addition to no guarantee of absentee voting protections due to COVID-19 on this date. Chuck Webberly 3 North Street Reading, MA 01867 617 780 5746 1 Saunders, Caitlin From:cmsmailer@civicplus.com on behalf of Contact form at Reading MA <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Sent:Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:54 AM To:Reading - Selectboard Subject:[Reading MA] Scheduling a recall election (Sent by John Lippitt, jlippitt@verizon.net) Hello Select Board, John Lippitt (jlippitt@verizon.net) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/contact) at Reading MA. If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.readingma.gov/user/475/edit. Message: To the Select Board: I applaud your thoughtful discussion of the recall election at Wednesday’s meeting and your wise decision to focus on the public health implications and wait for more information before calling for or scheduling an election. Here are five thoughts that I hope will be valuable for your continued discussion: • The dangers of the pandemic have declined over the past month and presumably they will decline further over the month from Aug. 1 to Sept. 1. Therefore, to wait to hold the recall election until Sept. 1, when we have an election anyway, rather than holding it earlier, would make sense from a public health standpoint. • While your discussion at the meeting focused primarily on the risks to election workers, which are of course important, the risk to voters was largely undiscussed. Even in a low turnout election with as many as 50% voting early or by mail, 2,000 voters are likely to show up at the polls. Recent special elections elsewhere in MA indicate that significant numbers of voters will vote in-person. There is risk to these voters as well as to election workers. Giving the pandemic as much time to slow down as possible before having these 2,000 people go to the polls would seem to make sense from a public health perspective. • A question that I don’t believe was asked is whether the Town Clerk could implement full early voting, in addition to expanded use of mail-in voting, for a stand-alone town election on August 1. Early voting is a key public health strategy as it spreads out voting, reducing the number of people at in-person voting. An unknown here is what the Legislature will do. It seems highly likely that it will allow early voting for the Sept. 1 primary election. However, the likelihood that it would allow early voting for stand-alone municipal elections would seem to be much more uncertain. • An election with shortened voting hours seems counterproductive to the public health goal of spreading people out and avoiding crowds. From a public health standpoint, w e want to expand the hours and options for voting as much as possible. • Finally, I don’t understand where the idea of voting on Sat., Aug. 1 2 came from. Our goal for voting should be to have as high a level of participation as possible. An election on a S aturday in August, not to mention with a shortened time window, seems to me likely to suppress voting. I assume this isn’t the intent, but it seems likely that the result would be very low turnout. Thank you for your time and attention. I hope these thoughts are helpful and constructive. Thank you for all your hard and thoughtful work under these difficult circumstances. I know you are all committed to doing what is best for the residents of our wonderful town. John Lippitt 23 Mineral St.