To the Editor,
Should the citizens of Medfield be embarrassed—or expect better from their elected officials?
I want to thank the many residents who took the time to watch the March 5th and March 26th school committee meetings, along with your outspoken rejection of this vile behavior.Your engagement proves that Medfield is a community that pays attention and cares deeply about how it is represented.
What remains troubling is the lack of accountability from remaining leadership. During the March 5th meeting, a baseless and disturbing accusation was made against me, along with an obscene gesture made in plain view of the committee and superintendent. These events were public and recorded. Yet, weeks later, there has been no clear acknowledgment or apology. Instead of doing the right thing and taking full accountability, the school committee is hiding behind expensive lawyers and refusing to make a public denunciation of the events that occurred. So we’re still without a public apology and left to explain to our kids why this grotesque activity Happened in front of school leaders And they have not summoned the leadership to Apologize and unequivocally Denounce the hurtful words and hand gestures to Medfield residents in attendance
Equally concerning are efforts to limit or manage public comment in the wake of criticism. Public participation is not an inconvenience to be controlled; it is a cornerstone of local government. When residents speak, especially in moments of concern, they deserve to be heard—not managed.
No resident should be told to feel embarrassed for speaking out, but it seems that the school committee wants to use its power to not only silence its detractors, but insult them in the process – just as Leo Brehm did.
Civic engagement is something to be respected and encouraged, yet our school committee does not share this core value, and refuses to be held accountable for stifling dissent. If this accountability is not demonstrated voluntarily, then as we’ve clearly witnessed, residents will consider other democratic options to ensure their voices are heard and views represented.
Medfield deserves leadership that listens, acknowledges mistakes, and responds with integrity.
No resident should be told to feel embarrassed for speaking out, just as Leo Brehm exhibited with his statement caught on the recording – and without consequence to date.
That is why I am calling on fellow residents to come together and take action. If accountability will not be taken, it must be demanded. School committee member Leo Brehm should resign immediately from Medfield School Committee for failing to adhere to a code of conduct that the citizens of our community not only expect, but deserve. Civic engagement is something to be respected and encouraged Medfield is full of very smart people. They will not put up with arrogance.
Dick Judge
Medfield
