An Oct. 29 article describes a “tempest” in Tisbury Town Hall. I served on the planning board for seven years, including one as chair, and know how much commitment the work requires. When I joined, Tisbury had no master plan — like building a house without drawings. With then –Town Manager Jay Grande’s help securing funding, the board selected a consultant and assembled a steering committee. Together, while managing a full agenda, we produced a workable master plan that was enthusiastically adopted. That took teamwork.
Later, I saw the board move away from neutrality and respectful collaboration. Despite raising those concerns, I saw no change, and resigned. I told the planning board, select board and town administrator then what I believe now: Tisbury needs a professional town planner. Our volunteer board members devote enormous time to the town, but we need a trained employee responsible for coordinating planning, pursuing grants, monitoring projects, and reporting progress annually. That planner should also seek participation from all Island towns. As the year-round gateway for people, goods, and services, Tisbury carries burdens that belong to the entire Island.
The planning board’s defense of its independence and challenge to Town Administrator Joseph LaCivita’s town meeting–approved job description do not suggest collaboration. Our boards must stop finger-pointing, respect one another’s roles, and work within the master plan rather than individual agendas. They need to speak directly and resolve disagreements internally wherever possible, rather than through attorneys and litigation. Board service requires representing the whole community — not only those who share our views.
The article also reports union grievances and a July lawsuit by planning board administrative assistant Amy Upton against the town, LaCivita, and Building Inspector Greg Monka, alleging workplace retaliation, wrongful termination, and disability discrimination. It describes planning board chair Casey Hayward’s social media calls to vote out “out of touch” select board members, and her accusation that LaCivita was “taking bribes,” referring to housing included in his employment contract. These are serious disputes and allegations. They need a fair resolution, not further public hostility.
How does Tisbury benefit from this conflict, and why are town funds being spent on litigation between its own officials and boards?
The Tisbury Select Board and town administrator must take a stronger stand. Legal constraints are real, but they cannot excuse continued inaction. Make a town planner a reality. Set clear responsibilities for each board, require collaboration, and establish annual goals and public progress reports tied to the master plan. Focus on Five Corners, sea level rise, infrastructure replacement, and housing. The Island is due to receive $1 million in grant funds: Who is responsible for a viable plan, a spending timetable, and ensuring we do not have to return the money for lack of action, as we have in the past?
As a resident, I cannot accept “tempest” and “dysfunctional” as labels for our town. Tisbury deserves leadership that resolves internal discord and delivers measurable progress. Let’s get back on track — and act.
Elaine Miller is a former chair of the Tisbury planning board. She currently serves as the town’s representative on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
