Well, even though this controversy has been going on for quite some time, with great brouhaha over the last few weeks. Was McLear appointed for a five-year term or simply to fill out an existing one that was vacated?
Lots of wailing and gnashing of teeth by the “good ole boys” as first Jade Wood was appointed to the Gunstock Area Commission and more recently, Dr. David Strang.
“They” saw their power over Gunstock Mountain Resort slipping. Keeping Rusty in that seat WELL over his designated time was a top priority and lots of money was spent to keep him there.
After all, upsetting a cozy relationship between the “overseers” and the “staff” to where it might have been covered by a black-out curtain. This months-long controversy came to an end two days ago (emphasis mine):
—– Forwarded Message —–
From: Rep. Mike Sylvia <mike.sylvia@leg.state.nh.us>
To: “rusty@meredithbaycorp.com” <rusty@meredithbaycorp.com>
Cc: Gary Kiedaisch <garykinusa@gmail.com>; Mr Peter Ness <petergness@yahoo.com>; Jade Wood <gopjade@outlook.com>; david strang <davidstrangmd@yahoo.com>; “tday@gunstock.com” <tday@gunstock.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2022, 10:59:48 AM EDT
Subject: Gunstock Area Commission vacancyMarch 16, 2022
Mr. Edward “Rusty” McLear
94 Tracy Way
Meredith, NH 03253Via Email (rusty@meredithbaycorp.com)
Dear Mr. McLear:
This is to advise you that inasmuch as (a) you were appointed by the Belknap County Convention (the “Convention”) to serve out the term of Gunstock Area Commission (the “GAC”) of Stephan Nix who resigned as a commissioner of the GAC; and (b) the term of Nix would have expired in November of 2020; your term as a commissioner of the GAC expired in November of 2020 and you are not presently validly serving as a GAC commissioner.
Please note that my initial statement as to the length of the term for which you were appointed was in error and naturally could not overrule the clear provisions of the Gunstock enabling law, which provides:
“399:8 Vacancies. If a vacancy occurs in said commission, it shall be filled for the remainder of the term in the same manner as is hereinbefore provided for original appointment.”
The Convention is taking immediate steps to advertise the vacancy on the GAC and to solicit applicants to fill the open position. Naturally, you are certainly able to apply for reappointment to the GAC along with any others who might apply and be interviewed by the Convention prior to its vote.
Please let me know at once if you have any questions about the foregoing.
Very truly yours,
Michael Sylvia, Chair, Belknap County Convention
Copies via email to:
Gary Kiedaisch (garykinusa@gmail.com)
Peter Ness, Esq. (petergness@yahoo.com)
Jade Wood (gopjade@outlook.com)
David Strang (davidstrangmd@yahoo.com)
Tom Day (TDay@gunstock.com)–NH State Rep. Mike Sylvia
Chair, Belknap County Delegation
And in this, Mike reversed himself when he said, a long time ago, that Rusty was appointed for a five year term. This is the argument that Commissioner Gary Kiedaisch and now former Commissioner Rusty McLear relied on to keep his butt in that seat. As the GAS became more controversial, several people started researching the actual timeline and discovered the discrepency both at the time and afterwards. To his credit, Mike admitted he got it wrong and that nothing he said trumps NH State Statute (RSA 399, above).
And now things are moving quickly. I was sent a copy of the Vacancy Notice this morning:
So we shall see what happens!
