To the editor:

In the Oct 31, 2018 article, Votes Will Decide Charter Question, it was written that no candidates for Town Council had met with union leaders regarding the changes to the charter permitting DPW to work in the school buildings. That is false.

I met a couple weeks ago with Kevin Braga, President Local 14845 (United Steelworkers). We spoke for more than an hour about the history of the DPW’s collaboration with the schools and focused specifically on this ballot measure.

I shared with Kevin the reasons I support changing the charter. It will allow for the streamlining of administration. It will create the opportunity to better care for all the property and facilities owned by Barrington. I also wanted to be sure I emphasized my respect my respect for the contract that is in place, and understand that additional work will need to be negotiated.

I am unaware of what conversations did or did not take place prior to the Town Council’s vote putting this question on the ballot. But as part of “doing my homework,” contrary to what was published, I did discuss this issue with union leadership.

It is unfortunate this accusation made it into print in the final issue before the election. It is particularly unfortunate because while I know Kevin and I disagree on this ballot measure specifically, I do believe we had a productive conversation that built the foundation of a good working relationship. I do not think it would have been his intention to misrepresent that.

Jacob Brier

Barrington