Funding Success Not Due to Haas

We are writing in response to the article appearing in the Aug. 24 herald of Randolph where-in Kirk White, Bethel Democratic town chair, cites his group’s support for Ms. Haas due to her "service to Bethel in the state legislature, particularly her success in securing funds for the Church Street bridge project, and her commitment to local revitalization."

Mr. White has been misled or is terribly misinformed. The Bethel selectboard, chaired by Neal Fox, deserves most of the credit for the Church Street bridge funding. Ms. Haas wrote one letter to one senator in this regard. She met the selectboard and town manager in the capital building cafeteria for a few minutes one morning and was briefed for the first time on the bridge project. She took the group to the House Transportation Committee for a very brief moment with the prepared material she had been handed moments before. That was it! (Mr. Fox was not in attendance as he was in Washington on an economic development project).

The town manager and selectboard, led by Neal Fox, has been unable to find any real support anywhere or any response from any of our legislators. The selectboard, again led by Neal Fox, met with most of the Senate Transportation Committee and briefed that committee on Bethel’s situation. They were sympathetic to our situation but promised nothing more than sympathy.

At Mr. Fox’s request at least two senators visited the site and recognized the uniqueness of the situation (railroad bridge and major state highway). On two different occasions, Mr. Fox met informally with most of the Senate Transportation Committee and he also met individually with the key senators to push for a favorable response.

Mr. Fox and the other selectboard members took advantage of every opportunity to discuss this issue each time the senators came near Bethel or whenever they occasioned to meet in Montpelier.

The role of a representative is not one of taking credit for the good works of local officials. It is an insult to the community and to the people that volunteer their time, without publicity, in support of municipal projects.

Bill Richards

Member, Bethel Selectboard

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