Questions Swirl Around Hugh Page
Readers asked: do we have the right to ask what happened with Hugh Page?
The next Select Board meeting (SB) is July 10, 2025, Town Offices, 6:30pm. To attend and ask questions of our representatives is more than a right, it is an obligation. It is our job as citizens to be sure that we understand what is being done in our name. Please attend the next meeting of the SB and feel free to ask the following:
How was Hugh Page placed on administrative leave? Exactly who decided to place him on administrative leave with what authority? At what meeting was the decision made, who was present, and was it in accord with the Open Meeting Law?
The specifics of personnel matters are confidential. Only the employee can release that information. However, the process governing personnel matters, the entity or individual with the power to execute them, that is, and should be, public information.
Who put up that agenda item? Select Board member Jamie Minacci attributed it to Town Counsel. Whoever did it, it was done in our name. No one who does executive session announcements has ever seen one like that. Ordinarily it is sufficient to say, “To enter executive session to discuss a personnel matter.”
It matters how we treat one another. It matters how we speak about one another.
In the Berkshire Eagle, Minacci also “noted that Canales has offered Page several jobs that were suggested by town counsel, but it would have to be his choice. Continuing as superintendent was not an option,” she said.
It appears Michael Canales has taken on the job of hiring and firing. That can be appropriate in the Town Manager form of government, however, Stockbridge has a Town Administrator form of government. The difference is as follows:
“In Massachusetts, the main difference between a Town Administrator and a Town Manager lies in the extent of their authority and responsibilities, which are often defined by the town’s charter or bylaws. While both positions serve as the chief administrative officer, Town Managers typically have more delegated authority, particularly in areas like hiring, firing, and budget management, than Town Administrators.”
Has something changed? Does the public know when it changed and how? Do the voters want to change it back? We can, you know. It is proper for the voters to ask and obligatory for the Town to tell us how we are operating.
A tendency towards kings
There will always be individuals who want more power. In a democracy we depend upon “the people” to reign them in. There is more to no kings than marching. Also, we must show up and speak up. On the local level, we can. Attend the Select Board meeting on June 10. Ask questions, register preferences, and discontent. If SB does not entertain questions, or answer them, SU will report that. Let’s keep our government accountable. In a democracy, governing is everyone’s job. See you there.
Carole Owens
Executive Editor