This paper took some criticism this past week for publishing an article regarding Berlin Councilwoman Lisa Hall’s remarks to our reporter while in the midst of a taped interview on an unrelated topic. Some felt that her remarks should have been considered off the record as Hall has personally suffered a difficult year.
Unfortunately as a public official there is no automatic pass for that when serious accusations are put forth of other public officials. While Hall may prefer those accusations to be shared behind the scenes with neighbors, friends and other townsfolk willing to listen, there was a time and place for her to air any concerns she may have had.
Hall, as claimed in her remarks, was under no duress to remain publically silent if she legitimately felt others were operating corruptly. Moreover, Hall had a responsibility to the citizens of Berlin to act by going on public record at the Town Council meeting.
She could have asked the town’s attorney, David Gaskill, if Councilman Elroy Brittingham’s prior ownership of the land in question required him to recuse himself from voting.  And if she had serious concerns about the propriety of the land purchase she could have asked to have her concerns go on public record rather than simply voting against the proposal, leaving citizens only to guess what her objections to the measure were. She did none of those things.
While some may feel Hall was victimized, the only true victims were the public officials who unbeknownst to them had their integrity questioned and the citizens of Berlin who expect any town official believing political shenanigans are at play would come forward where the issue can be discussed in public view.