To the editor:

Mr. Katz, and possibly Mr. Coulter, may want to think about recusing themselves from any votes regarding the re-zoning of the land on Souza Road owned by James McInnis and the adjoining Brito parcel.

First, Katz may have violated the Open Meeting Laws of the State of Rhode Island with his statements in the letter to the Sakonnet Times.

Secondly, it seems that he might also have ignored his oath of office as a town official by putting the interests of a singular group ahead of the best financial and economic interests of the Town of Tiverton.

Third, how can he justify his actions and also speak for a third party, Mr. Coulter, by forecasting his vote for or against a topic of discussion designed to be heard in a public meeting?

Those folks scheduled to be heard on a meeting agenda expect a fair and just hearing of their proposals, following a process mandated by the town and the state.

The developer, the public and certainly, the landowners, do not expect a pre-ordained ambush and a declared vote outlined in a letter to the editor prior to a scheduled meeting. All this, without ever hearing a word or viewing a single concept plan regarding the developer’s proposal.

In my opinion, the “Vice President” of the town council may consider that he may be brought before the State Ethics Commission for his actions, in addition to trying to defend himself against a recall vote.  

Bernard P. Giroux

Real estate adviser to James McInnis

Dartmouth, Mass.