New Gloucester board tables anti-mask resolution
Members of the public opposing the measure call it ignorant, irresponsible, a manifesto and a spread of misinformation.
By Emily BaderLakes Region Weekly
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The New Gloucester Selectboard took no action on the mask resolution introduced by Selectperson Linda Chase, top right. At one point, upwards of 70 citizens joined the virtual meeting held over Zoom.
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New Gloucester Selectmen took no action this week on an anti-mask resolution that questioned the constitutionality of Gov. Janet Mills’ executive orders requiring face coverings in public settings.
The majority of the 70 people tuning into the meeting who spoke opposed the anti-mask measure, with one, New Gloucester resident and South Portland City Manager Scott Morrelli, saying it was an “ignorant” and “irresponsible” resolution.
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The New Gloucester Board of Selectmen took no action on an anti-mask resolution that questioned the constitutionality of Gov. Janet Mills’ executive orders requiring face coverings in public settings.
The four-page preamble begins with a declaration that “there is scant scientific evidence to date that cloth masks prevent the spread of COVID-19 despite the fact that cloth mask use is quite common, yet infection rates are still high.”
A number of scientific studies conducted and cited by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, National Institutes of Health and other medical research institutions across the country have found that wearing a multi-layer cloth mask dramatically reduces the risk of infection to both the mask-wearer and those surrounding them.
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NEW GLOUCESTER Selectman George Colby abruptly resigned during Monday night’s board meeting at which the board was slated to set a date for his recall election.
“I would love to stay and continue the fight,” Colby read from a prepared statement. “For the sake of my wife and having time for myself and my family, I am done with everything concerning New Gloucester. Good night and good bye.”
Colby then signed off from the Zoom meeting.
Colby
In January, a contingent of residents successfully submitted a petition to the town to recall Colby over a comment they deemed racist. The petition, which had 337 signatures, according to Town Manager Brenda Fox-Howard, was certified by the town registrar Jan. 19 and the Select Board on Jan. 28.
New Gloucester hires new fire/rescue chief, library director
Jon Kiernan and Lee Shaw will take their posts as the fire/rescue chief and library director, respectively, later this month.
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NEW GLOUCESTER The Board of Selectmen approved hiring a new fire/rescue chief and library director in a unanimous vote Monday night.
Jon Kiernan and Lee Shaw will start their jobs as fire/rescue chief and library director, respectively, later this month.
Former Fire/Rescue Chief Toby Martin abruptly resigned late last year, tendering his immediate resignation from the department Dec. 6. Martin had served with the department since 2013 and was hired as chief in February 2019.
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NEW GLOUCESTER A group of residents seeking to recall Selectman George Colby say they expect to have enough signatures on their petition by the end of the month for a townwide vote.
Cameron Dufty, who started the group New Gloucester United Against Racism last summer, said that Colby’s statements at a Board of Selectmen meeting last month “were rooted in racism.”
At the end of the Pledge of Allegiance during the Dec. 3 meeting, Colby said, “Liberty and justice for all, for everyone. Even us white folks!”
Dufty, along with a few other residents, is leading the petition drive.