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WINDSOR LOCKS finance board member Mark Whitten appears to have made an obscene gesture to an audience member during a meeting on Tuesday, according to President Norman Boucher.
His unacceptable behavior from some city leaders, Boucher said.
The incident follows a dispute between Whitten and Board member Lori Quagliaroli.
The two were discussing filing for a land purchase contract for the proposed new police station.
Whitten apparently had information that was not officially shared with the rest of the board, and when Quagliaroli pointed out, Whitten replied: You should get involved in something other than your chicken coop.
A member of the audience, Bill Rousseau of Elmwood Drive, came to the defense of Quagliarolis and said: You are down for Whitten.
At this point, Whitten appeared to lift his middle finger towards Rousseau, and Rousseau said: You better put it down before it breaks.
Whitten replied, I’ll see you outside.
The meeting was taped, but Whitten is off camera at this point.
Shortly after, Quagliaroli abruptly left the meeting.
In an interview today, Whitten said he adjusted his glasses and Rousseau constantly heckled him during meetings.
I have definitely lost my temper due to a continuing number of meetings on the same topic, he said. It’s a lack of respect for my time.
Whitten, a Democrat, is an alternate board member; alternates are elected by the board of directors on the basis of recommendations from political parties.
In an interview, Rousseau said Whitten intimidated Quagliaroli.
His conduct towards Lori and then his choice to turn me away from a member of the public that I have been greatly offended against, and I cannot think of a greater example of unprofessionalism on the part of a public servant, has said Rousseau.
Rousseau said he planned to write a letter to Boucher expressing his displeasure with Whitten.
There is no reason for this gentleman to sit on the finance board, he said.
Quagliaroli said she did not understand Whitten’s comment.
“I felt like it had come out of nowhere and to tell myself that I needed to be more involved was insulting. I had no choice but to leave,” she said.
The exchange can be heard at the hour 30 minute mark here.
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