It has come to my attention that the sanding and plowing bid for Roxbury was not awarded to the previous provider.

In my opinion, that man had done a fine job under very harsh and unpredictable conditions. He had plowed these roads for 15 years. Last winter, he received a letter of commendation from the town for his fine performance. He did not increase his bid for the past two years. He also had the proper equipment and insurances at the time of the bid.

The bid, this year, was awarded to a resident of Turner who produced only pictures of his available equipment and said he would be in the process of obtaining more equipment. He would also be in the process of obtaining the proper insurances. His bid, the new bid, came in at $1 per mile higher than the previous provider’s bid. (Nothing strange about that one.)

In attending a selectmen meeting, it was brought to my attention that no former references or background check were required by the town for the bidder.

It would seem to me that there is something in the woodpile somewhere. I would hope that the residents of Roxbury won’t sweep this one out the door.

William Ruff, Roxbury