To the editor:
I am writing to bring the attention of those present at the Boxford Town Meeting Oct. 27, the unjust attack on John McCormack after his presentation in support of Article 10.
In his presentation, he mentioned the West Common project, which had been approved by the Community Preservation Committee. He later stated that the CPC had wasted tens of thousands of dollars for plans, studies and surveys for proposed projects.
He made no mention of the plans for the Haynes project. How Barbara Jessel could take the words of Mr. McCormack and twist them into accusations against Mr. Brown is beyond all understanding. Her tone and fervor of belittling Mr. McCormack caused an explosion of applause from the floor. I was so taken aback by her behavior and the uproar that I was not able to respond to her allegation at that moment. I am doing so now.
Mrs. Jessel must have forgotten that she was the Board of Selectmen's representative to the CPC at the time that the West Commons project was being planned. She sat in on the meetings. She was aware of all of the studies, plans and surveying that were done. Mrs. Jessel and all members of the CPC certainly were aware of the costs involved. After all, each expense had to be approved by the CPC members.
I checked with the Boxford Town Hall to see what the costs involved with the West Common projects totaled. To my disbelief the amount was in excess of $40,000.
If any readers of this letter realized that they were misled into applauding Mrs. Jessel's attack on Mr. McCormack, I sincerely hope that they will call John and tell him so.
WILLIAM PAISLEY JR.
West Boxford
