A two-day hearing in Boston early this week put a harsh spotlight on the town of Aquinnah and its select board member Gary Haley, who is under scrutiny by the Massachusetts Ethics Commission.
The Aquinnah select board paused its plans to lease Aquinnah Circle No. 9 Tuesday, heeding criticism over the lack of Tribal representation in the town’s decision making process for the site.
A draft project aimed at opening up more scenic views along Moshup Trail won the backing of the Aquinnah select board at their meeting Tuesday, pending permits.
A former Aquinnah homeowner has been fined $15,000 for topping approximately 20 large-growth trees in and around his property, including four on town land, without a permit.
The state ethics commission has scheduled a public hearing for October after a show cause order alleged Aquinnah selectman Gary Haley violated conflict of interest laws.
Aquinnah will have new leadership on two town boards after Thomas Murphy won a seat on the select board, and Kathy Newman narrowly ousted incumbent Jim Glavin on the board of health.
Adrian Higgins, Thomas Murphy and Nancy Gilson Slate are all running for the Aquinnah select board seat in the annual town election today. Polls are open from noon to 8 p.m.
