Dear Editor,

Because I had the courage, confidence and certitude to speak out on behalf of my mother regarding the dangerous and illegal bolting of sliding glass doors at the Mattapoisett Housing Authority, (Chaos presides at Village Court, Aug. 4, 2011)  it appears someone with a close connection to that entity is out to teach me a lesson.

The new Michelin tires on my car were maliciously slashed in the Village Court parking lot between the hours of 7:00 p.m. Friday night August 5 and 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning August 6. I have notified the appropriate authorities.

I refuse to be silenced by thugs, louts and cowards. A top to bottom investigation of the shenanigans and incompetence at the Mattapoisett Housing Authority is needed now more than ever, particularly, since this spineless act was perpetrated against a senior citizen. The vicious tire slashing and keying of automobiles are all indicative of the dysfunction and paranoia that reins at the Mattapoisett Housing Authority, and the reason tenants are petrified to come forward and complain about significant issues regarding their health and safety.Tenants will suffer leaking faucets, leaking pipes under their sinks, inoperable glass sliding doors, stifling hallway temperatures of 99 degrees, malfunctioning kitchen and bathroom lights, moths and holes in ceilings without complaining. This speaks volumes about the level of fear generated by this repressive and despotic management.

Another issue, for Louise Sousa, MHA executive director, to deny that she said, “It was done as an experiment,” is arrogant. It is offensive. She made that shocking statement in front of a room full of people, including board members.  Many recognize Sousa’s modus operandi—never accept responsibility always blame others.

Also, for Sousa to imply that that the MHA wants “to know who opens the sliders so we can bring them to the office and remind them how important it is to always have them closed,” is nonsense. Residents were told clearly and forcefully by a board member that the second infraction of slider policy constitutes possible eviction. At the moment and for good reason, there is a lack of trust and a credibility gap between rational thinking tenants and MHA officials.

There has been no activity to repair, restore or replace doors and screens so they are operable. The maintenance man has been missing most of the week, except for a few brief early morning sightings when he was observed leaving the complex before 7:00 a.m.--who knows what he may have been up to.

Sincerely,

Eileen Marum
Marion