I just watched online the Tuesday, Jan. 16, town council meeting which provided real insight into the leadership style of current councilperson Cecil Yates. Facing increased criticism for his role in the development of the downtown corridor, namely Park Place, the call to the public made two things very clear.

First, Yates is entangled with the developer of Park Place, Bart Shea (Shea Connelly Development), and through Yates’ employer, Commercial Properties Inc. From campaign contributions to business dealings, to potential town ethics violations, Yates is exactly what I fear from an elected leader.

His precise role may not yet be known, but it is clear that his advocacy for Shea Development could compromise the town’s position. You don’t have to believe me; check out the Yates testimonial at scd-llc.com/about.html, then find Yates’ profile as “Director of Property Management” at cpiaz.com/meetourteam.html and search the site for Park Place.

Second, the reaction by Yates (and his mentor, the current mayor) speaks volumes about the kind of leadership that has turned to acrimony and partisanship on the town council over the past four years. Caustic to citizen input at the meeting, Yates scolded speakers, belittled them and their concerns and complained about public records requests they made. (Senator Kavanagh has been known to make a few of those, himself.) With his demeanor, Yates clearly wanted to shift the blame to the speakers by changing the subject, and the mayor was disrespectful with note passing and side comments.

It’s too bad that leadership in this town is vested in such self-serving individuals. Councilman Yates should be respectful of citizen concerns, not bombastic and degrading. But if you don’t believe me, relive it starting at the 26-minute mark of the video record of the meeting on the town’s Youtube page.