South Norwood Business Owner Defends Meeting Boycott Following Deep Policy Disagreements
Finance Commission member George Elias said yesterday he will not resign now and force a special election even if a recall petition is circulated. A resident and a fellow fincom member indicated Thursday night that the recall petition to force a special election would be started soon. A mild controversy has developed in recent months over Mr. Elias’ refusal to attend fincom meetings.
The South Norwood coffee shop operator reiterated he would not resign until November to avoid the financial expense to the town. Since November is less than three months from the annual elections in January, a resignation at that time would not force a special ballot, according to the town charter. Serving his first year on the board in one of three newly created seats, Mr. Elias explained his refusal to attend meetings was a disagreement with the policy-making decisions of the other members. “It seemed I was wasting my time on the board and I told the chairman I would not sit again,” Mr. Elias said.
Thursday night fincom member William C. Phipps suggested Mr. Elias sign a letter of resignation effective in November as a possible means of forestalling the recall petition. But, Mr. Elias answered yesterday, “Nothing doing.” As for the recall petition itself, Mr. Elias said that would be unfortunate for the town because of the expense involved.
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