Actions, not words, needed by city
On Dec.3, Nancy Rossi was sworn in as West Haven’s new Mayor. During her inauguration speech she pledged to work with all elected officials who were on the stage with her. Unfortunately, this has not been the case.
Once, newly elected members of the City Council and the Board of Ed are sworn in the first order of business is an organizational meeting to elect chairmen. The City Council met on Monday Dec. 4. The BOE did not.
The City Charter does state that this organizational must take place anytime during the month of December. Therefore we are in compliance with the City Charter. However, for the past 20 years at least, the BOE has also met on the Monday after the inauguration. Without this meeting, this ELECTED Board is unable to meet. With the ELECTED board unable to meet it leaves our students and school system vulnerable.
If an emergency were to occur that needed BOE direction or approval, we would be unable to intercede. I tried to reach Mayor Rossi on two occasions by phone, and my phone calls were not returned.
The past chairman sent an email, plus had a hard copy hand delivered to her office but also did not receive a response. I believe this is very wrong and puts our school system in jeopardy. I also am dismayed at the mayor’s apparent lack of interest to communicate with elected officials but also unwilling to communicate with the citizens of her city.
Rosemary Russo
Board of Education Member