Letter: Please stop the attacks against Mr. and Dr. Douglas

EastBayRI.com ·

To the editor:

Scott Fuller's latest inflammatory letter to the editor requires a response. 

There are some facts that Mr. Fuller is either not aware of or has chosen not to share. Mr. (Scott) Douglas actually requested a determination by the solicitor, prior to finalizing his decision to run. He inquired as to any conflict that would exist if he were to serve on the committee on appropriations, given that his wife is a school committee member. The solicitor determined that it was proper for them to both serve, as long as one of them recused themselves at any joint meeting. As it is rare for the entire school committee to interact with the committee on appropriations, Mr. Douglas chose to run.

At the financial town meeting, Mr. Douglas made his connection to his wife, and her status as a school committee member, known to all in attendance-with pride! He also made it clear that he had asked for a ruling from the solicitor, who concurred. 

Was Mr. Fuller at the financial town meeting? 

Was he unaware of Mr. Douglas' remarks prior to writing yet another inflammatory letter to the editor? 

Surely, Mr. Fuller is aware that Mr. Douglas did not "gain" a seat on committee on appropriations, but was rather voted onto the committee on appropriations.

Mr. Fuller's  letter underscores what seems like a coordinated effort, over the last year, to impugn two committed, tireless, honorable individuals who have advocated for this town and its residents for years. 

Mr. Douglas has volunteered his considerable talents on multiple task forces and committees. He has spent countless hours attending school committee and committee on appropriations meetings for years and is uniquely able to bring his knowledge of how both of those bodies function to his role on committee on appropriations.

Dr. Megan Douglas has also spent years serving this community both at the school committee level (serving on the health and wellness committee for years) and as a Girl Scout leader and volunteer in our schools. She is one of the most committed, intelligent and caring women I have ever had the privilege to know.

Obviously, I am fond of the Douglases and proudly call them friends. However, much more importantly, I am grateful for their service, impressed by their intelligence and skills and hopeful they will continue to make a difference. I am clearly not alone in my assertions, as they have both won their recent elections.  

I deeply hope the letters aimed at attacking these individuals will cease. I hope, instead, we take a cue from Megan and Scott Douglas and attack the problems our community faces.

Sincerely,

Pam Lauria

Barrington