To the Editor:
Several articles and social media posts have exposed the ongoing abuses of power by Milford incumbent Mayor Ben Blake. Specifically problematic is Blake’s covert refusal since December 2016 to carry out the unanimous directive by the Board of Alderman to sell a sliver of city land at the end of Myers Lane to an adjacent Milford homeowner.
For three years Blake failed to effectuate the sale by refusing to sign any sales contract or deed of conveyance. In all this time, Blake has also refused to meet with the purchaser or give any reasons for his inaction.
Furthermore, at the Oct. 7 board meeting, Blake refused to provide any justification for his failure to follow the board’s directive despite questioning from several board Republicans. Not surprisingly, Blake inappropriately met with board Democrats behind closed doors during the meeting recess.
Whatever Blake’s hidden agenda or personal motives for defiance may be, he is circumventing the limited power and authority the office of mayor actually has in this case.
The mayor has no express discretionary power or legal authority granted by either the Milford City Charter or Connecticut statutes with respect to selling, or not selling, city-owned land. In this case, Blake’s only role as the executive officer of the city was to effectuate the transfer and be the signatory on the contract and deed of conveyance, just as the board authorized.
The mayor has no express veto power or legal authority with respect to overruling any action taken by the board. To the contrary, the City Charter clearly states that actions by the board can only be overruled after special petition and special vote by Milford’s electors.
Any belief that Blake has sole discretion regarding the sale, purchase, or use of city land, and can secretly overrule the directive and authority of Milford’s legislative body, is totally inconsistent with the Milford City Charter and Connecticut statutes.
Therefore, Blake is obstructing the exercise of the board’s legislative power and authority by refusing to carry out the board’s directive without any justification.
Mark Leso
Milford