By Harry Fisher
When I assumed the role of BET Chairman, I pledged to foster a more collaborative and respectful atmosphere. I remain committed to that goal and am heartened by the support I have received from a broad coalition of officials and residents who share a desire for constructive governance. However, progress is challenging when faced with those whose actions prioritize division over collaboration.
Pete Mynarski, the town’s trusted and accomplished Comptroller, has announced his intention to retire. As the Chief Financial Officer reporting to the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET), Pete has been an indispensable asset to our town. His professionalism and dedication have set a high standard, and we are deeply grateful for his thoughtful decision to provide ample time for us to identify and hire a suitable successor.
Recognizing the importance of finding the right candidate, I formed a bipartisan search committee last fall, comprising two Democrats—Leslie Moriarty and David Weisbrod—and two Republicans—Leslie Tarkington and myself. Our initial effort, managed through the town’s Human Resources department, did not yield the desired results. However, the process revealed a strong internal candidate, and we resolved to broaden the search further to ensure we leave no stone unturned.
To this end, we interviewed several firms with expertise in municipal recruitment. While there are few firms specializing in this field, we conducted a rigorous request-for-proposals (RFP) process and selected the most qualified firm at a competitive price. This step reflected our commitment to a transparent, thorough, and professional search process.
Unfortunately, recent developments have threatened to undermine these efforts. A faction of four members within the BET has sought to disrupt the progress we have made. They called a special meeting with the stated intent of dismissing the selected firm, rewriting the job description mid-process, proposing a salary range below market expectations, and introducing overly prescriptive directives into the policy and procedure manual. These actions, in my view, would significantly hinder the search process and do a disservice to the town. I am pleased to report that all motions to these ends failed, preserving the integrity of our efforts.
Regrettably, this group has yet to present a constructive alternative or offer solutions that move us forward. Their approach, both in meetings and written communications, has too often been characterized by negativity and discord. In one particularly troubling instance, a senior manager felt compelled to leave a December committee meeting after being subjected to disparaging remarks by a member of this faction. The chair of the committee, also a member of this faction, declined to intervene, allowing the situation to escalate unnecessarily.
The BET has a fiduciary responsibility to serve the town with diligence, integrity, and professionalism. I urge all members—and those who may be amplifying unnecessary conflict— to refocus on our shared purpose: ensuring the success of this search and the broader objectives we are entrusted to achieve.
The time is long past due to set aside discord and work together in a spirit of cooperation. With a unified effort, we can meet this moment and honor our responsibility to the town we all serve.
Harry Fisher is Chairman of the Board of Estimate & Taxation (BET)
