The following was submitted by Erin Calvo-Bacci:

On Tuesday January 22, 2013 I as business owner and Town Meeting Member attended the public meeting regarding Article 10 and I am in complete disgust with our elected Town Officials. When has cheering ever been allowed in an open public discussion? Two of our elected officials showed complete disregard for all residents of Reading by permitting such flagrant behavior. The meeting was a chance to have an open discussion so that people could make an informed decision based on all facts, but instead cut that discussion off at its knees. The allowance of cheering which was certainly in favor of two of our Selectmen’s opinions was a slap in the face to our democratic process. Selectmen you are elected officials representing the Town’s best interest, your actions were self serving.

Reading is in need of real economic development to help sustain the community the residents of Reading chose to live in. I don’t know if the Billboard is the answer, but I have not heard any other positive possibilities to achieve this goal. The residential units will not generate the revenue needed to sustain our Town. I ask of our elected officials to allow for open discussions where all facts are presented and that you lead in the best interest of all the residents.