The neighborhood of Humarock is considering seceding from the Town of Scituate because of increased taxation, potholes in roads, sidewalks in disrepair and bushes overtaking the sidewalks forcing residents to walk out in the streets. BUT the situation hit a boiling point with the strong-armed tactics used on July 3rd to enforce a bonfire ban:
““That was a full military operation… I mean hummers up and down the beach, state police helicopters, horseback, bomb squad, [and] a command post up the center,” said Fred Hayden, who owns a summer home in Humarock.
During Independence Day celebrations on July 3, State Police troopers were called in to help maintain order in the mostly senior-citizen community. A 70-year-old man says they used excessive force when arresting him, leaving his arms bruised and wrists bleeding.
“Every time they talk to you it’s in a threatening fashion,” long-time resident Emory Langlolies said during Sunday’s meeting.
Typical of the Bay State’s revolutionary spirit, Humarock taxpayers are asking for more representation at the Town Council. When a group attended a meeting of the Town’s Selectmen on July 10, they were not permitted to speak. Now they plan to write letters to town officials, as well as complaints to the State Police, the Attorney General, and Governor Deval Patrick.
“People are fed up with the town of Scituate. They do absolutely nothing for us,” said Dick Sparks.
Sparks has been urging his neighbors to secede from Scituate for 15 years. A new town hasn’t formed in the Bay State in almost a century, but the idea is gaining traction in Humarock.
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Langlolies described his experience with law enforcement on the 3rd as overkill. He claims he was playing patriotic music when town officials marched onto his private property and unplugged his stereo. Langlolies says an officer then crushed the plug to keep him from starting the music again.