To the Editor:

On March 13, the Berne Town Board proceeded with their regular monthly meeting. Among agenda items were to, Discuss/Approve Sexual Harassment Policy and Complaint Form (9f.), and Discuss/Approve Code of Conduct Policy for meetings (9g.), and Discuss/Approve Xerox proposal (9h) — three bits of town business that have legal obligations and consequences.

The full town board, town attorney, town clerk (human resources officer), members of the community, and Altamont Enterprise [reporter] were present.

As the meeting progressed into the sexual-harassment item, the town clerk, Anita Clayton, states the “creepy xerox man” — “That copier guy needs it too,” referring the the character and behavior of one of Berne’s contractors’ employees.

As the conversation about sexual-harassment policy continues, Councilperson Karen Schimmer reiterates Clayton’s “creepy Xerox man” reference. Clayton continues, “Everyone knows not to be alone when the serviceman comes.”

As the meeting goes on and the full town board approves the five-year contract with the Xerox company, Councilperson Dawn Jordan, questions, “Are you sure you want to go with the creepy Xerox man?” — “that’s really bad.” Clayton responds, “Maybe he won’t be there anymore.”

We are better than this people!

Making unfounded accusations about one of our vendors or employees, in their absence, by the human resources department, in a public meeting, is slander and uncivil. Here an elected official, Civil Service employee, and point person for our town, lashes out at a member of our community.

This behavior contributes to the incredible turnover in the past five years of board members, appointees, and employees. Our human resources department lacks the training and experience required to administer quality management to its staff.

Clayton’s lack of regard for the proper protocol in many instances costs us as a town. Clayton states in the same meeting that she has taken the training and the town of Berne has adopted a policy a few years ago.

If this is the case, why hasn’t she reported any incident to her superior, Sean Lyons? Why haven’t the claims of the “Creepy Xerox man” been investigated? Clayton’s behavior is deplorable, and within the context of a meeting that is directing residents on their conduct in meetings as well as sexual harassment policy!

I can summarize that it’s because she considers herself the judge, jury, and executioner of all Berne’s employee matters and is exempt from any moral and legally-binding policies. Human-resource managers must not, under any circumstances, conceal a report or discourage employees from reporting matters pertaining to sexual harassment.

I ask Supervisor Lyons three things, immediately:

— First, have the statement made by the human-resource officer, Anita Clayton, investigated thoroughly; ask her to refrain from judgement until such investigation is complete;

— Second, canvass “everyone” as Clayton claims, regarding any procedure to not be alone with the Xerox serviceman and why; and

— Third, take appropriate action.

Tim Lippert

Berne

Editor’s note: Anita Clayton declined to comment on the letter-writer’s assertions.