Gordon Jamieson, a member of the Vision 2020's Fiscal Resources Task Group (FRTG) committee involved in this effort, responded Feb. 28 to Sheffler's e-mail, that the committee to study the town's financial structure -- called FOSC -- was chaired by LaCourt. Peter Howard of FRTG "endevoured to attend all of their meetings and what information I provide is based upon his reports and discussions within the FRTG."

 

Jamieson called the committee's charge to evaluate making Arlington's elected Treasurer position an appointed one "a widely held misconception. While that was one of the potential options, the committee's true charge was to review the Fiscal Organization of the Town and to make recommendations (if any) regarding changes that could be made to increase its efficiency and transparency. And if one reviews the list of recommendations made, one can readily see that that is exactly what the committee did."

 

Jamieson added that he hopes that the committee report "will appear shortly on the town's Web site as similar reports have done so recently." As of the afternoon of Feb. 28, the report was not posted.

 

"Lastly, the FRTG commented on the AFOSC's work while it was in process and our letter (reflecting many of the items recommended in their report) is attached for your information." For a copy of that letter, see below.

 

Town Treasurer Stephen Gilligan wrote in an e-mail Feb. 28: "I am engaged in town financial issues at the moment, and will not be able to get anything to you until tomorrow [March 1] at the earliest."