To the Editor,

Regarding the article in the August 1, 2013, Wareham Week, “Housing Authority in turmoil,” the fact that the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) conducted a comprehensive review of the Wareham and Carver Housing Authorities coupled with Pam Sequiera’s abrupt resignation from her most recent executive director position suggests the commission of an act or acts that are unequivocally illegal or completely wrongful.

Sequiera’s quick departure could place the Wareham Housing Authority’s fiscal affairs and operations and its compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations at risk.

It is regrettable when state officials like Sequiera, who are in a position of power, abuse the public trust. “We checked the records when the accountant came in last week and all the other employees…they had a book that said ‘time attended.’ There’s no ‘time attended’ for her [Sequiera],” said Bob Powilatis, a Housing Authority member.

Powilatis says that he has been unable to find records to back up what Sequiera says she is owed in sick and vacation time.

Apparently, Ms. Sequiera has not followed DHCD rules and regulations regarding record keeping while enriching herself at taxpayer expense, more disturbing: she was answerable to no one and ignored the public servants code of ethics of always conducting oneself in a manner that reflects favorably on oneself, and the citizens that you serve.

Sequiera may have been surprised by some of the reviews findings, but it would not shock me to learn that Sequiera did not adhere to DHCD policies and procedures and regulations, and in the process, probably failed to provide safe, decent, and sanitary housing to all tenants. These review findings are also problematic at the Mattapoisett Housing Authority whose June 19, 2013, audit can be viewed at: http://www.mass.gov/auditor/docs/audits/2013/201207097h.pdf.

Among its many other problems, the Mattapoisett Housing Authority still has $80,000 outstanding in unapproved and unaccounted for overtime payments made to the maintenance staff (one person) and its executive director.

Wareham Housing Authority member Bob Powilatis is probably the lone member doing the job that he was voted in to do. He comes across as being candid and trustworthy—and an advocate for tenants. Powilatis had the self-assurance, courage, and confidence to ask simple, straight-forward questions and follow up, such as, "Where are the records of Sequiera’s attendance and the hours she worke?"

Too bad Mattapoisett's Housing Authority doesn’t have a Bob Powilatis.

For Board of Commission members, Paul Innis and Donald Hall, to mindlessly sign off for hours worked without proof of Sequiera’s attendance or performance is reckless, negligent, shows poor judgment and a willful disregard for taxpayer dollars. The Board of Selectmen must hold Innis and Hall responsible for neglect of duty.

More disturbing is Sequiera’s audacity and brass for failing to provide status reports at the Authority’s monthly meetings, then turning around, and accusing Powilatis of pressing her for documentation of work performed. Indeed! As a Board of Commission member, Powilatis is merely fulfilling the Authority’s responsibility of setting policy, giving direction, and monitoring and overseeing Authority activities all intended to ensure that the Authority’s fiscal affairs and operations are conducted in compliance with applicable laws — apparently something that is totally unfamiliar to Ms. Sequiera.

Sincerely,

Eileen J. Marum

Marion