To the editor:
This Wednesday, the town of Essex is holding a Special Town Meeting vote to consider establishing procedures for the sale and, or lease of property known as Conomo Point.
We are doing this despite the fact that we haven't authorized the sale of Conomo Point.
If passed, the town may petition the state Legislature for an override of Chapter 30B Section 16 of the Massachusetts General Law, which provides rules for how cities and towns may sell or dispose of real estate.
These laws are there for a reason; to ensure a fair and open bidding process, and to ensure that the highest bid is accepted.
The residents of Essex are being asked to replace these well-tested protections with no protections at all. If the measure is voted in and the petition is granted, the real estate at Conomo Point may be sold "upon such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen deem appropriate." That is a direct quote from the article being voted on.
All the protections provided by state law would be swept away and all control would be handed to the selectmen. It is difficult to understand what good could come of this, and easy to understand how preferential deals could be struck.
If you are a registered voter in Essex, I urge you to come to Essex Elementary School at 7:30 on Wednesday and vote "no."
There is no good reason to give up the legal protections we have in place.
THOMAS DeMEO
Water Street, Essex
