Editorial: Awad -- staying or going?

Published on May 16, 2008

When Anne Awad made her first bid for Select Board in 2000, she sold herself to the people of Amherst as a "consensus builder" and as someone who was looking for ways to "build people's trust."

Eight years later, the best way for her to honor that trust is to be clear about the plans she and her husband, former Select Board member Robie Hubley, have regarding their residency.

The couple has purchased a home in South Hadley, a town where Hubley has connections from his days there as a science teacher. Hubley filed an Estate of Homestead for the South Hadley property on April 10, declaring the South Hadley home as their primary residence. Their Amherst condo is for sale and is actively being shown.

This information was not shared with the public, beyond advertisements for the condo and a property transfer printed in a local newspaper. When questioned by the Bulletin about her plans, Awad said, "When I decide what we're going to do with the house in South Hadley, I'll let everyone know."

We understand that a public official also has a right to a private life, but some private decisions impact on their public performance or capacity to fulfill obligations under the law. Awad's answer displays a lack of respect for voters and it is an attitude that she has shown in the past.

In October 2006, Awad and Hubley acknowledged at a Select Board meeting their recent marriage. It confirmed a relationship that a few were aware of and others had long suspected. Their courtship and marriage were kept secret from the public, despite the fact that they were serving together on the town's most important decision-making board.

Former Town Counsel Alan Seewald said it wasn't a conflict of interest, but the situation left a bad taste for many. As aptly pointed out by former Selectman Bryan Harvey in a column published in this paper at the time, "the inevitable next question is whether and in what ways the private relationship impacts the public's business. ... We're talking about two of five Select Board members, only one vote short of a majority. ... Voters may therefore be understandably reluctant to assume they'll be dealt with honestly from now on."

Again, Amherst voters appear to be in a similar situation, in which Awad's primary residence is soon to be - if not already - called into question.

If she steps down before her term expires in 2009, a special election will need to be held, which will cost money. A special election by itself will cost around $12,000; if attached to a primary or another pre-existing election, the cost will be cut by more than half. Should Awad indeed be leaving, and if the town wants to save some of the expense, the Select Board has until July 8 to add a Select Board race to the already scheduled Sept. 16 primary ballot.

It should also be noted that the closing on the South Hadley house occurred in early April, right on the heels of the spring election. Telling the voters of her plans prior to the election would have freed up another seat on the board and, if it does come to a special election, could have saved some taxpayer dollars.

Even if Awad does move from Amherst, she wouldn't have to step down immediately. Her status hinges more upon her being a registered voter, rather than a formal resident. Technically she could remain on the board until she registers as a voter in South Hadley, but that would be an even greater breach of public trust. Voters expect, and rightly so, that their elected officers will live in the community. However, the town's attorney says that it's up to Awad to declare residency. No one will do it for her.

Awad owes it to the people of Amherst to be completely up front about her plans. Is she staying in Amherst and retaining her seat on the Select Board? Is she moving and quitting the board? If it's the latter, then she should tell the voters and her colleagues before all her bags are packed and she's out the door.