Chapter 498 of the commonwealth of Massachusetts is the guiding law over the development of Devens, yet it is apparent that we have the Board of Selectmen Chairman Leo Blair selectively deciding that it is only “a” law, when he said, “I don’t give a damn about what Chapter 498 says” [as reported in the Nov. 14 issue of the Press]. How many other of “the” laws of Massachusetts does he construe to be not “the” law but “a” law?
For the chairman to blatantly “not give a damn” about Chapter 498, which was passed in the early 1990s by the local towns and the electorate, is appalling. Yes, times have changed, but many of our laws have survived decades and centuries and are still in full force and effect, guiding us until appropriately amended.
The chairman’s authoritative and at many times intimidating conduct during the selectmen’s meetings this year brings into question his “giving a damn” about only his personal interest and agenda. The chairman might very well “not give a damn” what Chapter 498 says, but many citizens of Harvard know that respect for the law of Chapter 498 should rule as voted in regards to Devens until amended by the Legislature and appropriate towns’ special meetings. As one of many citizens who respect the laws of the commonwealth, I do not envision Chapter 498 as the “Ten Commandments” or the “Bible” guiding us, as Blair has said. Chapter 498 is “the law” and not “a” law that “a” chairman named Leo “doesn’t give a damn” about. Shame on “a” chairman named Leo.
Jared Wollaston
Elm Street
