Once again, the Plymouth Independent is attempting to manufacture a controversy where none exists. Fred Thys’s recent article regarding the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) appointments is not objective journalism. Instead, it is a nakedly political attempt to continue an ongoing assault on a private citizen to influence elections in Plymouth. A review of the facts and the actual meeting record easily dismantles the narrative put forward by the publication.
First, the article falsely claims that Ms. Iaquinto and I said holding both roles constitutes a conflict of interest. We made no such statement. I simply raised my hand to express my interest in serving on the CPC because I care deeply about how our taxpayers’ hard-earned 1.5 percent surtax contributions are utilized. Ms. Iaquinto, on casting her vote, expressed that she is concerned about the independence of two separate but connected bodies. The Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) can apply to the CPC for funding. Ms. Iaquinto never said she was concerned about a conflict of interest, but rather that the bodies not intermingle.
Furthermore, Thys asserts that I voted last year to appoint Mr. Keohan to both the CPC and the AHT. This is completely false. A simple review of the recording would show that I was participating remotely and had to board a flight prior to that vote taking place. I did not cast a vote.
The article also completely flips the chronology of the meeting to imply a calculated, dramatic sequence of events. The piece states that a move to “oust” Mr. Keohan occurred but not before more conflict of interest allegations were tossed around. In reality, the vote on committee assignments happened before Mr. Keohan’s request to revisit the Landers Farm Road vote, and any subsequent public criticism regarding alleged conflicts.
Finally, Mr. Keohan’s paranoia that this is some sort of revenge is absurd. As I have consistently done in the past with all CPC candidates, I questioned them about their fiscal philosophy. My willingness to volunteer for the group is driven solely by a desire to bring fiscal responsibility and rigorous oversight to the CPC.
The discussion on this appointment was completely calm, neutral, and totally absent any contention. The Plymouth Independent owes its readers accurate reporting, not politically motivated fiction. They should immediately correct the record, publish a formal correction note on this story, and cease trying to invent controversies to drive a narrative.
– David Golden
Golden is a member of the Select Board and a candidate for state representative
(Editor’s note: As with all Independent reporting involving Mr. Golden, his perspective was sought prior to publication. He did not return the call.)