This weekend, I learned from no fewer than three other Selectmen as well as several others that John Ferranti, a candidate for Selectman, was telling people that I was stealing his campaign signs.

I have never touched, let alone removed, any of Mr. Ferranti's campaign signs.  I am aware of some instances where Mr. Ferranti's signs were placed on private property without permission of the property owner, leading to the property owner removing the signs.  It goes without saying that this outcome should be expected when one plops down their signs without asking permission.

This is the second occasion in less than four years where Mr. Ferranti has publicly made untrue statements  about me.  The first took place when in 2012 I served on a screening committee that interviewed candidates for the position of Plumbing and Gas Inspector for the Town.  Mr. Ferranti was not recommended by the screening committee as a final interview candidate for the position, and in response he filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, and specifically alleged that I had discriminated against him.  The MCAD case was dismissed, thus vindicating me.  As one might imagine I was not pleased to have had my character brought into question in such a manner, yet since then I have chosen to let the matter lie.

I understand that Mr. Ferranti may remain disgruntled that he was not selected as the Plumbing and Gas Inspector.  I have also been informed that he has told several would-be supporters that his reason for running for Selectman is to fire the Town Administrator and Director of Inspectional Services, in revenge for terminating his contract with the Town as an Alternate Plumbing and Gas Inspector this past fall.  The voters will of course determine whether they wish to support that sort of candidacy on Election Day, and we will live with whatever result occurs.

In closing, it is regrettable that I feel compelled to even write such a letter in the first place; however, with the latest allegations being made against me, I can no longer remain silent and not defend myself.

Very truly yours,

Peter W. Teitelbaum