Garieri apologizes, penalized

By Matthew Bernat
Turley Publications Staff Writer

STURBRIDGE - “Despicable.” “Exceedingly offensive.” “Political sewer.”
A handful of quotes used to describe the vulgar exchange between a sitting selectman, a member of the Town Administrator Search Committee (TASC) and the public clamor that ensued.
Monday night’s selectmen’s meeting sought closure on the issue through a public apology issued by Selectman Scott Garieri for his role in the matter, which includes a report of Garieri telling TASC member Carol Childress, “Shut your (expletive) mouth. Nobody cares about your opinion.”
A second incident occurred Feb. 2 in an open session of the meeting. After an intense debate Garieri said, “Anyone want to keep this thing in order?” It’s been reported Childress understood that Garieri referred to her as the “thing” and replied “You are such a piece of (expletive)…Who do you think you are?”
She then said to Garieri, “You just make me feel dirty whenever I am around you.” Garieri then reportedly replied, “You are dirty…You’re a whore.”
Officials and residents were left shocked and ashamed by the initial controversy and ongoing press coverage.
“We’re at the point now where this town looks ridiculous,” Board Chairwoman Mary Blanchard said. “This is probably the worst - I can’t even think of the word – situation Sturbridge has found itself in,” she said, calling for the town to move forward and “get out of this political sewer.”
In an effort to do that Garieri opened Monday’s meeting by reading a prepared statement to the large audience that gathered to hear his remarks.
He called his actions “inappropriate” and apologized unequivocally to Childress. He also extended apologies to selectmen candidates Mary Dowling and James Ehrhard and residents for his “poor choice of words.”

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