There are two members of the Ashland Board expressing resistance to plans to work with a mediator, but the board voted recently 3-0. The two members against mediation were absent when the vote occurred. The cost of working with a mediator will be at least $2200. Dissenting members believe this money could be wasted if the board is not committed to working anything out through mediation.

The first member absent for the vote, Judy Margulies, was out for health reasons. The other member against mediation left early to attend another meeting. Before leaving, he stated he would not feel comfortable with mediation until he knew for sure whatever he said to the mediator would remain private and that it would not be subject to public record. He also stated there would be a retreat scheduled to discuss the issues at hand, but that date has yet to be set.

Margulies stated in emails sent to the Daily News that she feels mediation could violate Open Meeting Laws. She believes facilitated meetings with a third party in attendance would be a better option.

Members at the latest meeting expressed their concerns over “months of dysfunction” that have left many feeling embarrassed. One described Margulies’ criticism of the town’s health agent as a witch hunt, and is hoping mediation works, even if there is not a great deal of confidence heading into the session. Members have raised a number of issues throughout the meetings, making it difficult to focus and get anything done.