When the First Selectman Doesn’t Reply

By Dan Fitzmaurice, Orange Resident

At its February meeting, the Orange Board of Selectmen discussed whether to create a formal policy governing how its members respond to emails from residents. Following that discussion, I emailed the board to share my hope that any policy adopted would expand, not restrict, communication between Town Hall and residents.

I appreciate that three of the six selectmen responded and shared their perspectives. That kind of engagement is healthy. Residents should be able to email their locally elected officials and expect a thoughtful reply.

However, I did not receive a response from our first selectman, who serves full-time as the town’s chief administrator. In my view, that silence highlights the core issue.

During last month’s discussion, he acknowledged that he does not always respond to emails. This confirms what many residents have experienced: delayed responses, vague replies or no reply at all. When that happens, people understandably feel ignored or frustrated.

I agree that the Board of Selectmen should develop a clear communication policy. But much of this concern could be addressed in a far simpler way: timely, professional responses from the town’s chief executive.

In a small town like Orange, communication matters. When residents take the time to write to their elected leaders, they deserve acknowledgment and a meaningful response.

This letter to the editor originally appeared in the Milford-Orange Times, March 12, 2026.