Residents Ask To Rescind Vote On High School

     Over the past week, Falmouth Town Manager Robert L. Whritenour Jr. has received calls from residents asking to rescind the additional $19 million that voters in May approved to complete the high school renovation.
     Last night at the Falmouth selectmen’s meeting at town hall, Mr. Whritenour said, “I don’t think rescinding money is required at this stage, but certainly no additional money should be spent.”
     While not calling for such drastic measures, Selectman Brent V.W. Putnam is continuing his call for an investigation and audit of the high school project, a call he issued when he was running for his current seat in May.
     Mr. Putnam said the incidents that were unveiled last week in which the school department was found guilty of not communicating with the state School Building Authority over the past two months is one reason why more oversight is necessary. “There are more parties involved and other responsibilities that may not be followed through on,” he said.
     He said this could be an opportunity, he said, “if nothing else, to keep all parties honest.” Although Mr. Whritenour said the town has a good contract with the general contractor, TLT Construction of Wakefield, Mr. Putnam wondered how long Falmouth would have “a bird in hand” and how long Falmouth should wait to conduct an investigation and audit before they lose the leverage they have with TLT.