In letter to Milton citing unfairness, Elder resigns from all boards

Clockwise from left some of those at last Thursday's meeting: left, Les Elder, who resigned today, Selectman Andrew Rawson, Selectmen Chair Tom Gray, library director Betsy Baker and Selectman Mike Beaulieu, (Lebanon Voice photo)

To the residents of Milton NH:

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.

At the recent Milton Free Public Library Trustees meeting, held on Aug 11 in attendance were: The Board of Selectmen, Tom Gray, Andrew Rawson, and Mike Beaulieu; the Police Chief, Richard Krauss; The Public Works Director, Pat Smith; The Code Enforcement Officer, Brian Boyers; The Assessing Director, Kathy Wallingford; The Town Bookkeeper, Kimberly Ladisheff, John Katwick, the Milton Free Public Library Director, Betsy Baker as well as the Editor of the Lebanon Voice, Harrison Thorp and Pam Smith as well as Library Trustees Larry Brown, Laurie Palmeira, and myself, Les Elder.

It was apparent from the beginning that there was a pre-arranged agenda.

The Law is very clear in this area, and at the very least this should have been in a Non-Public session.

91-A: 3 Nonpublic Sessions. -
(a) The dismissal, promotion, or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee, or the investigation of any charges against him or her, unless the employee affected (1) has a right to a meeting and (2) requests that the meeting be open, in which case the request shall be granted. The Law is very clear in this area.

It is truly a sad state of affairs when I seek nothing more than what is required under the law that people choose to retaliate because they disagree with my point of view.

It is becoming increasing clear that the actions of a few misguided or misinformed individuals in the Town of Milton are using my requests for transparency, honesty and openness as a means of retaliation against me as well as my position as a Trustee of the Milton Free Public Library. It is one thing to disagree with me and choose to retaliate against me, but the Milton Free Public Library has no part in my search for truth, and to act in this way is not acceptable. I will take the high road so as not to jeopardize this important Town facility.

Each of us our entitled to our opinion and should respect each other's right to do the same. This applies to all, whether you are an elected official or a private citizen.

I cannot control how other people react. So as to not jeopardize the Milton Free Public Library and any all Boards and Committees that I serve on, I have resigned from the Board of Trustees of the Milton Free Public Library as well as all other Boards and Committees that I was on.

The actions of a few in the Town of Milton continue to do more harm than good. The clandestine atmosphere that pervades in Milton has to stop.

I will not surrender to my beliefs, but will continue to proceed in a manner which benefits the residents of Milton NH.

Wisdom is knowing the right path, Integrity is taking it. I have taken the right road, and will continue to hold others accountable for their actions.

- Les Elder

Milton NH