Hancock Planning Board dogfight
A pit bull in the form of lawyer Ariane Ice was set loose in the Hancock Planning Board meeting last week. The question before the board is whether to waive a safety setback rule for a proposed cell tower to be built on land abutting six homeowners (not Ice). Instead of making an argument on the merits of the question, Ms. Ice (and those behind her) unleashed a furious attack filled with legalistic trash talk on the integrity of the Board and its chair, Kevin Murphy, as well as town employee Linda Coughlin. Whether one thinks the waiver should be granted or not, the Board is obligated to hear all arguments and decide on the merits. They are following procedure agreed upon and approved by the Town. Linda Coughlin was simply trying to collect fees owed to the town by the applicants for the waiver. This type of behavior in a public forum is despicable, shameful and not worthy of Hancock. In a small place, neighbors work through arguments and disputes together. Citizens volunteer to serve on the Planning Board and all the other boards that help make the town run. They deserve our respect, admiration and thanks. As a citizen of the town, I apologize to Kevin and Linda, and I hope they will not be discouraged by this incident and know that they are appreciated.