TO THE EDITOR: THE NORTHFIELD NEWS AS YOU MAY be aware, there was a Special Select Board meeting last Monday to discuss the crafting of a letter from the Northfield Select Board to the VCJTC.

The main impetus of this letter was to voice the Town of Northfield's displeasure over being left out of the process which ultimately led to Chief Shaw being de-certified.

As you may recall attorney general Sorrell's letter of January 22 specifically stated that Northfield should be involved.

I believe the letter which is being sent by the Selectboard did a very good job of expressing the members' displeasure.

This letter went to the extent of specifically requesting that the Council back away from de-certification so as to allow Chief Shaw to be disciplined for his transgressions here in Northfield, by Northfield - which is more in keeping with Mr. Sorrell's directive.

If I had any misgivings about what was ultimately written, then it would be that the Selects stopped short of making any statements concerning the Chief's reputation or tenure here in Northfield.

Their stance on this however does have merit as they must try to remain impartial lest they compromise themselves and their position as being arbitrator of personnel issues.

The good news with this action is that the Council now has three different fronts instead of two: They have Chief Shaw and his Attorney, they have a growing number of us who are contacting them, and they now also have to face the Town of Northfield.

One other point: Mr. Elrick has not yet responded to my letter of 2/24 that asked about public participation during the Hearing on the 20th, or when the public can next address the Council.

If you haven't yet written a letter to the Council, please consider doing so.
The address is:
R.J. Elrick - Director VCJTC
317 Academy Road
Pittsford, VT 05763
CHRIS BRADLEY
Northfield