To the editor:
The editorial headlined "Independent probe needed to clear harbor mooring saga" (Times, Friday, Jan. 6) is absolutely required, and is precisely what I had called for in a prior letter as a required milestone before the residents of Manchester should accept any additional sound bytes from town officials as credible information.
It is also very curious — and timely I believe — that a front-page article in the same issue of the Times cited that Manchester's ousted treasurer-collector had landed an interim job with the town of Wenham. Might a detailed review of the reasons behind her dismissal cast new clues on what might now appear to be a potential cover-up of fiscal issues?
Folks, how much additional information is needed before Manchester selectmen come to their senses and realize this situation is not only beyond their ability to objectively manage, but also mandates that they and all other town officials must now recuse themselves from this issue and request an independent probe?
I couldn't agree more with the notion that no one is saying anyone has done anything wrong — and that it's time Manchester gave everyone, "especially its new harbormaster," the chance to go forward with a clean slate.
However, an independent investigation by the state Inspector General Gregory Sullivan, or by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, is not only a prudent next step, but also a required due diligence milestone for a forensic investigation that must be completed at this time.
Lane H. Mann
Manchester
