A mass mailing from the Westport Taxpayers Association days before the June 8 Town Meeting forced town officials to quickly call a press conference rebutting charges that the town had a “spending problem.”
Selectman Craig Dutra called the mailing a “cowardly, spineless act” that was “nothing but lies.” Many found the mailing, which had an illustration of burning dollar bills, to be inflammatory and to have data twisted out of context.
No names were attached to the mailing, and the association was not registered with the town.
Now, members of the association have identified themselves. The president is Jack Baughan, Finance Committee chairman, and the treasurer is Gary Mauk, a former selectman and Finance Committee chairman. Other board members are Gregory Jonsson, John Taylor Jr. and Thomas Flynn.
In a letter to the editor submitted to area newspapers, members of the association reiterated their stance that the town is providing too-generous pay and benefits [...]

Original post by Grant Welker