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In a ‘Parks & Rec’ moment, Cape official caught on hot mic saying ‘I’m sick of these people’Â Â Â
The Yarmouth Select Board member's hot mic moment followed debate over a resolution to relocate a pump station away from a cranberry bog and farm stand.
A Cape Cod official issued a public apology last week after a hot mic caught her muttering at the end of a lengthy meeting, “God, I’m sick of these people.”
Yarmouth Select Board member Joyce Flynn’s comment followed a discussion on a non-binding resolution to relocate a small pump station away from an existing cranberry bog and farm stand. The resolution passed the Dec. 9 special town meeting by a vote of 100 in favor, 88 opposed.
In a public apology, Flynn said her “unguarded comment” was said out of frustration after someone “shouted an objection to hand counting the votes.” She also noted the comment had originally been misattributed to Town Clerk Mary Maslowski, who was overseeing the count.
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“I want to clarify that the remark was made by me and not Ms. Maslowski and I apologize for my expression of impatience,” Flynn said. “I remain committed to serving the residents of Yarmouth and ensuring our meetings are spaces where everyone feels valued and heard.”
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The contested pump station is slated for construction at 316 Route 28, adjacent to Fresh From the Vine Cranberry Bog. During the special town meeting, Fresh From the Vine operator Chris Wilson raised concerns about possible environmental impacts to the farm and nearby waterways, economic effects on the farm stand, and risks to pedestrian safety, among other issues.
Yarmouth officials have said the pumping station does not pose an environmental threat to the cranberry bog.
“The bottom line is that the long-planned pump station at 316 Route 28, the cranberry bog operation, and local businesses can co-exist together and are mutually beneficial to each other,” Jeff Colby, Yarmouth’s public works director, said in an informational video last month.
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The pump station is part of the $207.2 million initial phase of Yarmouth’s wastewater project, passed by town meeting in 2023. According to Colby, the town faced limited flexibility in the placement of its pump stations, which needed to be located adjacent to low points in the collection system.
Speaking during last week’s meeting, Flynn followed her hot mic moment with an appeal to the gathered residents.
“This is a reminder that if you don’t go to annual town meetings, you lose your voice in what’s essentially the Yarmouth legislature,” she said. “So I hope since things are decided many years in advance, as things have to be, I hope we’ll see everyone who’s new here from now on.”
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