Dear Editor:

The Superior Court sent the Eastside Waterfront Park back to the planning board to ensure a fair and transparent process. Recent actions by Select Board Chair Mike Tomko will taint any permit that might be approved. The law dictates that the Select Board is not to meddle in planning matters, but Mr. Tomko seems to have missed that memo.

First, we understand that Mr. Tomko provided support to the BBHWP board in trying to get then-chair Tom Minerich thrown off the planning board. Second, Mr. Tomko orchestrated the removal of Merritt Blakeslee from the planning board, including falsely claiming that another member of the planning board was against Blakeslee when he wasn’t. The planning board had to come to Mr. Blakeslee’s defense, and his position was rightfully restored. Third, Mr. Tomko facilitated appointment of the interim code enforcement officer and then had a private meeting with the CEO, the developer, and their attorney at town hall – an act that is blatant and inappropriate interference with the process.

We’ve asked under FOAA for Mr. Tomko’s communications with BBHWP and Mr. Feeney, and received nothing. We’ve asked for the unfairness of this interference to be corrected through appointment of a stand-in CEO from outside of town, but have been refused. Now we’re publicly asking for Mr. Tomko’s recusal from all matters related to the Eastside Waterfront Park. Some fairness and transparency would go a long way to solve the matter.

Joe and Jill Doyle

Boothbay Harbor