Finance board chairman is let go

Jacques denies he's been uncivil

After nine years on the Finance Committee, including six as chairman, Sandy Jacques will not be serving another term.

When Rockport selectmen interviewed candidates for reappointment to the Finance Committee on Tuesday, the board voted, 4 to 1, to interview only those recommended by Town Administrator Michael Racicot.

Jacques, who sought reappointment, was not recommended.

Jacques said that on April 14 he met with Racicot and the chairman of the selectmen, Joseph Lisi, who suggested that he consider resigning, indicating he would not be reappointed.

Afterward, Jacques said, he was frustrated not just by the outcome but by the method used by the board, which didn't allow him to make a case for his candidacy. He was allowed to speak at open session at the start of the selectmen's meeting, but not to respond to any statements made from that point on.

"For the record, there's nothing more to say; it's been done," Jacques said. "I think there's a very interesting problem with the Open Meeting Law that works contra to all forms of justice in the United States. . . . It's a one-way street and doesn't seem like it's right, even though it is, according to the rules."

Selectman Dan Aparo, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said he did so because he disagreed with the procedure. He had no further comment.

In the meeting with Jacques a few weeks ago, Lisi said he told Jacques that, based on his observations of others on the board, he didn't think Jacques would have the votes to be reappointed and "as a professional courtesy" suggested he consider resigning.

Lisi said he thinks members soured on Jacques based on an accumulation of issues over the years, and that his appreciation of Jacques's service was one reason he wanted to avoid a public argument.

"The last thing I want to do is say anything publicly that reflects negatively on someone who has volunteered for nine years," said Lisi, who noted he extended the open session to give Jacques - who spoke briefly - and his supporters the chance to speak on his behalf.

Responding to the criticism she has heard from some residents, Selectwoman Sarah Wilkinson said the decision had nothing to do with disagreements on financial issues.

Although specific incidents were not mentioned, Wilkinson at the meeting cited what she called Jacques's "a growing pattern of disrespectful behaviors, in my opinion, sometimes even including profanity, shown to other members of town committees, town volunteers, and staff.

"As someone who has worked hard to recruit new volunteers, I can't condone disrespectful behavior."

Racicot said the decision not to recommend Jacques was largely based on the chairman's inability to work with others.

"It's not if you disagree, it's how you do it. I'd characterize it as a lack of civility toward others."

In one recent incident, at Town Meeting this spring, Town Counsel Darren Klein asked Jacques why he was yelling at him during the discussion of an issue. Jacques acknowledged Klein making the statement, but said that is not the way he would characterize the conversation.

On the issue of civility, Jacques said, "I think I'm always civil; I'm just passionate. I don't think being passionate is less than civil. But I defend myself. Nobody attacks me without knowing that they're going to get me pushing back."

June Michaels, the senior member of the Finance Committee and a Jacques supporter, praised him for his acumen and work ethic, adding that the board's productivity was up because of him.

She was critical of both the outcome and the procedures used in Tuesday's meeting, questioning why there was no warning or other intermediate step to address the selectmen's concerns.

"It seems to boil down to Mr. Jacques losing his temper once or twice," said Michaels, who noted she had never witnessed him using profanity in public. "I have heard him get sarcastic. I get pretty sarcastic myself sometimes.

"I'd rather have a competent person with a few rough edges socially than someone who smiles, and is friendly, and can't do the job."

The terms of three Finance Committee members were up, and one, Charles Bluestein, had previously indicated that he did not want to be reappointed. Only Frank Hassler was interviewed. The board will vote on Hassler's reappointment at its next meeting May 13.

The town election is Tuesday, and Jacques's term runs out Friday. He said he plans to apply to the five-member Board of Selectmen, two members of which will be new, possibly as early as Wednesday.

"Our nine-member committee is now six," Michaels said. "We'll have a few vacancies."