The Reading Post accepts Letters to the Editor. All letters must be signed. The Reading Post reserves the right to edit or not publish any letters received. Letters do not represent the views or opinions of the Post. editor@thereadingpost.com
To the Editor,
We appreciate RMLD General Manager Greg Phipps’ letter of apology on March 7 regarding the display of militia stickers on an RMLD truck, which was reported publicly by a Reading resident.
However, the brief statement and ensuing dialogue left some questions unanswered. We ask that the RMLD provide a more complete explanation of what happened and tell us what actions they will take to prevent anything like this from happening again.
Specifically, we’d like to know:
- What is the exact timeline of events? In his March 7 letter, Mr. Phipps said that “Upon learning of the situation, the stickers were promptly removed.” Has the RMLD determined when these stickers first appeared on the truck? Had they been reported to management before the March 6 letter to the Reading Post? If so, why weren’t they removed earlier?
- How are RMLD employees made aware of policies against political displays on town property? Political messages are not allowed on town vehicles, and if they impair visibility, having these could even be a safety violation. What training do employees receive on RMLD policies? And are any changes clearly communicated by management?
- What actions have been taken to ensure that nothing like this happens again? Do all employees understand that it is their responsibility to speak up when they see policy violations? Will training and policies be reviewed and revised if needed? And could these policies be shared with the public?
We seek these additional answers in order to ensure that town policies are followed. We ask that anyone who wants to share their perspective on these events contact the RMLD Board of Commissioners (emorse@rmld.com), the Select Board (selectboard@ci.reading.ma.us), or submit a Letter to the Editor of the Reading Post (editor@thereadingpost.com).
Thank you.
Ann Motl Taylor, Wenda St, Reading
Anne Schwartz, Hunt Street, Reading
Auvifer Ruelos, Irving Street, Reading
Carl Mittnight, Cherry Lane Drive, Reading
Carolyn Whiting, Chestnut Road, Reading
Christine Ford, Salem Street, Reading
Joann Takehara, Hopkins St, Reading
Joseph Carnahan, Middlesex Ave, Reading
Joy Beaulieu, Grand Street, Reading
Kate Breshnahan, Lawrence Road, Reading
Laura Burnett, West St. Reading
Lisa Gibbs, Priscilla Road, Reading
Lynn Dornink, Cherry Lane Drive, Reading
Martha Moore, Sanborn Lane, Reading
Melissa Gentile, Hillside Road, Reading
Melissa Talal, Summit Drive, Reading
Rebecca Liberman, Pratt Street, Reading
Rev Emelia Attridge, First Congregational Church of Reading, UCC
Rev Dr. Laura Solomon, Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading
Steven McLaughlin, Salem Street, Reading
Susan Barrett Brown, Ash Street, Reading
Victoria Lydon Ruelos, Irving Street, Reading
Vladimir Liberman, Pratt Street, Reading
