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Copyright ©2001 Massachusetts News, Inc. Photocopying and data processing storage of all or any part of this issue may not be made without prior written consent.
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Wellesley
Officials See By
John Haskins The officials of Wellesley see nothing about the town’s “Youth Card” that parents might find troubling, further interviews have revealed. The gold plastic, wallet-sized card recommends an abortion provider and a “gay hotline” to teens in crisis. Some officials even made vague suggestions that Wellesley residents who find the card troubling are probably a fringe minority - with no right to a voice in how their taxes are spent or how their children should be directed in time of crisis. None actually stated this explicitly and, in fact, several members even seemed unaware that this was the logical implication of what they said. Though it was paid for with taxpayers’ money, many Wellesley residents learned of its existence for the first time last month with the publication of an article in the December issue of Massachusetts News. What has emerged from interviews is an unawareness that many parents and taxpayers have deeply held beliefs that are not those of the current members of the Youth Commission - that many residents want public officials to leave guidance on profound moral issues to parents. A Wellesley resident who came to Massachusetts News’ offices said that this frame of mind is what happens when public servants live in a closed world in which enlightened viewpoints are defined by the Boston Globe. Most voters are too intimidated, too busy or apathetic to protest, he said. Not
An Endorsement? None of the members had any explanation as to why no alternatives to the two organizations were listed. In fact, it became clear that they were so trusting of these organizations that alternatives seemed unnecessary. Both Planned Parenthood and the homosexual activist group actively oppose the principle that parents have ultimate responsibility over the sexual education and sexual activity of their children. Bypassing
parents? But most commission members did seem at least receptive to hearing residents’ contrary opinions. Some members, especially Youth Director Krista Swanson, even seemed genuinely interested. Only Corrine Monahan seemed to be having second thoughts about the card. “Maybe we didn’t think this through enough. But we are moving on. If there are corrections to be made, we’ll make them,” she said, stressing that parents and residents who are upset should express their concerns. “But,” she continued, “Wellesley is not [far left] like Brookline or Cambridge. We’ll listen to residents who call us.” However, in a second conversation after she had seen the article, Monahan backtracked, and said pointedly, “I’m not saying we made any mistakes.” It was unclear how serious she was when she later added, “I don’t want anyone who is angry to call me.” Several members stressed that the commission had no intention of offending anyone, though none explained how directing teens to such groups could fail to offend a significant portion of any town. Swanson, the Youth Director, expressed disappointment with the publication of the article in Massachusetts News although she could not identify any factual errors. She pointed out that the article did not make clear that her unavailability for questions had been related to a wedding rather than an unwillingness to answer public concerns. The card was initially brought to Massachusetts News’ attention by concerned residents. Judging from calls to the paper’s offices, the outrage and sadness of residents has grown since more have become aware of the card’s existence. Several residents have told Massachusetts News that town officials have stepped between parents and their children regarding fundamental moral decisions. However, not one member or public official acknowledged having heard any complaints about the card. But an independent source said that a youth official told her in September that a new white plastic “Youth Wellness Card,” with the two left-wing organizations deleted, was to be produced because two commission members had themselves expressed doubts about listing them. If so, whether those members might have been conveying complaints expressed by residents is not clear. Members of the commission insist that the cards have nothing to do with each other and have “totally different purposes,” though aside from the removal of the controversial groups, they appear to have similar functions. The original card continues to be available at the Town Hall. How
to Deal with Reporters Rainey Wilkins, chair of the commission, may have been in on a decision not to cooperate with Massachusetts News’ attempt to make public the circumstances behind the controversial card. In a second telephone interview she had lost the friendly, if rather evasive manner, she’d had in the first call. Commission member Laura Colburn refused to answer any questions, saying that a decision had been made to direct questions to Youth Director Krista Swanson. She then hung up abruptly. Member Fran Whyman also refused to answer questions, and diverted us to Swanson. Wellesley’s Executive Director Arnold Wakelin, cooperative in our first phone call, said curtly several days later that he would not answer any more questions. Police officer and Youth Commission member Janice Guild initially answered questions very willingly but did not return numerous follow-up calls made several days later. Corinne Monahan said initially that the abortion center and homosexual organization are appropriate for such a card. Later she admitted, however, that she would not want anyone to direct her children to Planned Parenthood or the Gay and Lesbian Youth Hotline. Though they were less frank than Mrs. Monahan, several other members of the commission had obvious trouble answering that question. Selectman
Gubellini Most Aggressive After struggling with the question of whether residents are right in insisting that there are far better alternatives for teenagers in crisis, Gubellini threw down what appeared to be a direct challenge to those who disagree with him. Adopting an aggressive tone, he said, “I am wholeheartedly in favor of having the card look exactly the way it looks. You can print that.” He then hung up. Several of those interviewed, including Gubellini, used as a justification the argument that “teenagers need someone who will listen to them,” but also refused to consider other, less extreme “listeners.” Complaints
of Residents Wellesley parent Robert Bradley said, “It is highly disturbing that our town officials have listed telephone numbers to radical, left-wing organizations as if (no) alternatives exist for teens in crisis. There are numerous crisis pregnancy centers and gender confusion counselors…to whom troubled teens can turn...” Some parents see the basic issue as one of democratic representation. In the guise of an official expression of Wellesley’s guidance to the town’s youth, they believe, the card advances a political perspective that is offensive to many residents. Wakelin said commission members are appointed by the selectmen, If the commission does something not in the best interests of Wellesley youth, the selectmen have “the power of persuasion” to get it changed, he said. The full text of last month’s article
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