Bad treatment

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To the Editor:

This is a copy of a letter to the Oak Bluffs selectmen.

As a taxpayer in Oak Bluffs, I write concerning another episode in the rude behavior history of health agent Shirley Fauteux and an encounter with her at the first morning of children’s camp at the Featherstone. While certainly not the first unpleasant encounter I’ve had with Ms. Fauteux over the years, it is the first time her nasty attitude, curt tone, and thoroughly unfriendly behavior reached my three-year-old son.

Upon entering the camper’s room, she greeted parents with the attitude that our children were about to be processed into a state prison, rather than a day camp on the Island. After ripping the sign-in sheet out from under me, she first demanded to know who he (my son) was and where were his shot records. After a review of the records that afforded him entry into pre-school in Vineyard Haven last winter, as well as summer programs and a day camp in Edgartown last week, I was told a particular shot record on physician’s stationery was not acceptable. She then proclaimed that my son could not stay. I told her how unfriendly she was acting and left.

In the parking lot, I was approached by another couple from Connecticut who had tried to enroll their child in the same program and received the same treatment from Ms. Fauteux. They were almost speechless and equally appalled at Ms. Fauteux’s behavior.

It’s almost unbelievable the selectmen of Oak Bluffs continue to allow an employee and a representative of their town to rack up so many complaints over the years without repercussions. I’m quite sure this too will end up in what can only be imagined as a very big pile of complaint letters under her desk.

I have zero problems with Shirley Fauteux doing her job, even when that means my kid doesn’t get into camp without the proper records. However, it’s about time selectman put some weight on how she does her job in a destination that prides itself and depends upon a reputation as a friendly and special place for children and families. In this case, she failed as a health agent, she failed as a representative of Oak Bluffs, and she failed miserably to even try to be a decent person.

Jonathan Laird

Edgartown