More Rosenthal emails to Matthews

Here are a few emails from last week's exchange between Jonathan Rosenthal, the city's economic development director, and city Councilor Kate Matthews that I didn't have on Friday:

From Rosenthal to Matthews

8:24 on 2/11

Subject: Fwd: Re: BDA issue re Tom Read 151 High Street Grant/Lien

Perhaps you might consider that I am following instructions of the mayor. [Emphasis in the original.]

Again i might suggest that this might have transpired a bit more smoothly if it had begun with a personal phone call to me.  I am actually a friendly and helpful person but I also have rules and orders to follow.  I would ask that you please give that some consideration in your judgment of me.

From Rosenthal to Matthews

12:05 on 2/11

I REPEAT that I did exactly as instructed by the Mayor.

I responded to you the way I was told to. [Emphasis in the original.]

Following instructions is the way I typically carry out the duties of my position.

I regret that my following instructions would be interpreted as being impolite, negative or worse.

I have absolutely nothing to gain by ticking you off.  I agree that it is unfortunate.

I would ask that you consider for just a moment that I am actually stuck in the middle?

Perhaps we can start over.  May I suggest that we start our communications with a phone call when you need something from this department.  My direct number is 860-584-6185.  May also suggest that emails not be broadcast to the entire Council unless there is a particular reason to do so?  Perhaps you can appreciate that when the email is sent out to everyone in the first place that I might wish to communicate my version to those same people.

I would like to start over.  How about meeting face to face at your convenience? OR a phone call?

Jonathan

From Rosenthal to Matthews:

12:28 on 2/11

Subject: Fwd: Re: BDA issue re Tom Read 151 High Street Grant/Lien

The information given to the Mayor.  (The same information that the Mayor said he wanted to provide to you.)

Mr. Read came in Monday morning at the about the time I received your email.

Mr. Read became threatening.

I called an attorney in to look at his request.

Mr. Read upon questioning said that signing the grant agreement was his free act and deed.

While the agreement may or may not constitute a "lien" it is an "encumbrance."

The attorney, after listening to Mr. Read's explanations for more than an hour said the bank is not legally prohibited from giving Mr. Read a second mortgage loan because of the grant agreement.

We wrote a "To Whom it May Concern" letter for the benefit of his lender explaining that he was in compliance and the terms under which the encumbrance is forgiven on an annual basis along with the schedule.

It was also explained once again that Mr. Read could ask for a waiver from the BDA Board on February 22, 2010 and provide them with reasons sufficient to determine his cause for release.  (This is by no means guaranteed.)

If the bank insists that the encumbrance be removed , he also has the option of paying off the encumbrance today at $3,250.

In the future I will insist to the Mayor that I be allowed to share the information desired.

It is my continuing desire to be forthcoming whenever possible.

By the way, I edited one of the emails to remove Rosenthal's direct line at City Hall and put his office phone line instead.

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