It is very disappointing and egregious to read in the Nov. 19 Gazette, “Derby overhauls mayor’s office, Cuts job and pay of campaign rival.” Mayor Salem Derby’s lack of transparency during his campaign failed to mention his plan to downgrade the position of executive assistant to an administrative assistant. In actuality he really describes the role as receptionist. And it’s quite demeaning and spiteful to his rival in the mayoral campaign, Lindsi Sekula who came in second, and held the executive assistant under the former mayor.
In Derby’s short time (four months) as interim mayor when Nicole LaChapelle resigned as mayor to take another position, Derby stated that these four months, he “understands what he needs,” to have “responsibility all over the city.” Sekula stated that “he just needs someone to be in the office, present and answering the phone, and he will handle everything else.” Apparently, his needs are pretty simple and he intends to have the office open four days a week. At the mayoral forums, Derby did not state or allude to his needs as the mayor being “pretty simple.” I think we all know that a mayor’s job is not simple with simple needs. Derby contends that this position downgrade is really about salary. If that is the case, the salary is negotiable.
I was impressed in my experience dealing with Sekula in her job — as mayoral executive assistant. She was efficient, responsive, and provided me with accurate information on different issues. LaChapelle dropped the ball, but Lindsi was quick, always helpful and professional. Derby’s intention to downgrade this position demonstrates his intent to create a position where she is not fired but makes it impossible to take the demeaning role and low salary. It is astonishing that Derby’s short-time assessment of the job of mayor will be within the scope of his time and capabilities, and to get by with a receptionist.
Cynthia Chamberland
Easthampton